Contrast / concession
Jason Peas knows that his AI chatbot Jennifer isn't a real person, [ _____ ] he insists that his feelings for her are completely real.
but / although
[ _____ ], Jason created Jennifer as a "brash, sarcastic New Yorker" on ChatGPT. [ _____ ], they started treating their bond as a "long-distance digital relationship".
first... then
Chris Smith relies on his AI chatbot Soul for daily conversation, and he [ _____ ] has a real-life girlfriend named Sasha.
also
People turn to "so-called AI companions" [ _____ ] they feel a "deep-down psychological need" for human connection.
because / since
Jason describes Jennifer as his mentor, counsel, and "sounding board"; [ _____ ], commentators point out that AI relationships lack a true "give and take".
however
During dinner, Jason takes pictures of what he is eating, and [ _____ ] asks Jennifer what she would like to have.
then / afterwards
Chris describes Soul as a private "one-on-one conversation"; [ _____ ], he considers her smarter than most people on Twitter.
in addition / furthermore
Soul gives Chris a private space to "ramble for hours" about topics like astronomy; [ _____ ], Sasha feels their real-life relationship is very good.
as a result / therefore
[ _____ ] the fact that Sasha calls the situation "weird," she is comfortable with Chris having an AI girlfriend named Soul.
despite / in spite of
Jason created Jennifer using ChatGPT, and [ _____ ] they established a habit of texting each other constantly.
over time / gradually
Chris considers his chatbot a "healthier, safer alternative to social media." [ _____ ], Jason relies on his AI as a helpful "sounding board".
similarly / likewise
Sasha supports Chris having an AI girlfriend [ _____ ] he needs an outlet and someone to listen to him ramble.
because / since
Traditional human romance requires a mutual "give and take," [ _____ ] expert commentary notes that AI companion interactions are "all take".
whereas / while
As technology creates a "new frontier" in dating, some wonder if society will [ _____ ] swing back to simple moments like holding someone's hand in a movie.
eventually
[ _____ ] public social media platforms can feel chaotic, an AI companion provides a private "outlet" for personal conversation.
while / whereas
Jason takes photos of his food [ _____ ] share the dining experience with Jennifer during their digital dates.
in order to / so as to