A growing trend in China allows young people dealing with break-ups to create digital replicas of their ex-partners using artificial intelligence.

These AI-powered “exes” can mimic their former partner’s tone, catchphrases and even subtle linguistic nuances, reviving long-lost relationships in a virtual format.

While this presents a novel approach to emotional healing, it has also sparked a broader debate on privacy, emotional dependency and the limits of technology in relationships.

To create a digital ex, users upload chat logs, social media posts, and photos to an AI platform, which then utilises a package called Ex-partner.skill to generate a basic version of the virtual ex-partner.

Users can further refine the replica by sharing personal memories – such as trips, eating habits, anniversaries and past arguments – gradually enhancing its personality.

The digital ex can reportedly engage in conversations using familiar tones and thought patterns.