1 in 3 Denverites have used AI as a romantic partner, according to Match data exclusively shared with Axios.
Why it matters: Robot baes are just another example of how Denver's loneliness crisis could be playing out.
The big picture: This is the first year that the dating platform surveyed singles nationwide about using AI for companionship, Michael Kaye, communications director at Match Group, tells Axios.
That's because of a surge in AI use in dating (333%) from last year, he adds.
The data point is part of their nationwide "Singles in America" study, which surveyed over 5,000 people ages 18 to 98 this year.
By the numbers: 33% of single Denver respondents have interacted with an AI companion — tied with Salt Lake City for the top-highest rate among the cities Match polled.
Between the lines: Match defines "interacting with an AI companion" as someone who's chatting with a bot for romantic or emotional intimacy or using AI to help them craft their dating profile or send messages.
What we're watching: Whether the rise in AI companion apps leads to a jump in acceptance, like it did with online dating, or the trend remains far from mainstream.
