Orchid, a new AI assistant, has drawn criticism for an advert portraying it as a solution to a boyfriend’s “weaponised incompetence”. In the advert, the AI remembers an anniversary, books dinner and buys flowers while the boyfriend takes credit, prompting concerns that technology could mask rather than resolve neglect and resentment in relationships.

A couples therapist quoted by WIRED said outsourcing communication to AI could worsen problems by encouraging indirect interaction and concealing a lack of genuine care. Orchid is primarily marketed as a cross-app life-automation tool, though its distinctive value beyond messaging remains unclear; a survey of more than 13,000 people found 59% felt AI dating advice made decisions more confusing and 47% delayed relationship decisions after receiving it.