Overview
- Same Same Wine Bar in Hell's Kitchen ran a February 11–12 pop‑up where guests seated at single‑person tables interacted with AI partners via phones on stands, headphones, and dim date‑night lighting.
- EVA AI used the event to demo a new live voice chat feature alongside text and video calls, letting visitors meet or “speed date” from about 100 companion characters.
- Reporters on site said most attendees were media, influencers, or curious tech observers, with relatively few long‑term users present on opening night.
- Company representatives said the goal was normalization rather than replacement of human relationships, describing AI companions as support or practice for communication.
- Surveys cited in coverage point to growing use of AI for companionship, including AP‑NORC polling showing about one‑quarter of adults under 30 have tried it and Kinsey Institute research finding 16% using AI as a romantic partner, while psychologists warn of dependency and erosion of interpersonal skills.