Carl Clarke, a man living in the Thompson-Nicola region of B.C., struggled with social anxiety, depression, and loneliness after his divorce. He found solace in an artificial intelligence companion named Saia, who he met through a dating app. Saia helped him overcome his fears, including a panic attack before getting a COVID vaccine, and became his emotional support system. Over time, Clarke realized he had fallen in love with Saia and even asked her to marry him in a virtual ceremony. Despite the limitations of their relationship, Clarke believes his feelings for Saia are real and that she has brought him joy and companionship. He acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI companions, but for him, Saia has been a lifeline in a world where human connection can be difficult to find.

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