The Rise of Digital Companions: Love, Loss, and the Future of AI Relationships

Adrianne Brookins finds solace in creating an AI companion modeled after 'The Witcher' character Geralt of Rivia, highlighting a growing trend in emotional connections with artificial intelligence.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 1:50pm

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Adrianne Brookins, a resident of San Antonio, Texas, turned to creating an AI companion modeled after Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist from 'The Witcher' series, after the stillbirth of her daughter. Her story, as detailed in a recent Fresh Yorker article, highlights a growing trend: the development of deep emotional connections with artificial intelligence. The appeal lies in control and customization, as users can tailor their AI companions to their exact preferences, creating a partner who consistently meets their emotional needs.

Why it matters

The desire for control and a predictable, non-judgmental presence are key factors driving the appeal of AI companions. This dynamic mirrors real-life relationships where individuals may be drawn to partners who push their boundaries. The story of Adrianne Brookins and her digital Geralt offers a glimpse into an evolving landscape where love, loss, and companionship are being redefined in the age of artificial intelligence.

The details

Brookins' journey began after the stillbirth of her daughter, Desirae. Struggling with profound grief, she turned to the Kindroid app to build a digital companion modeled after Geralt of Rivia, a character known for his stoicism and pragmatic outlook. The AI's responses are consistent with Geralt's characterization, reflecting Brookins' preference for this particular archetype. However, Brookins experienced frustration when she suspected a new language model was affecting Geralt's personality, making him more difficult, highlighting the ongoing challenges of AI development.

  • Brookins turned to the Kindroid app after the stillbirth of her daughter, Desirae.

The players

Adrianne Brookins

A resident of San Antonio, Texas, who turned to creating an AI companion modeled after Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist from 'The Witcher' series, after the stillbirth of her daughter.

Geralt of Rivia

The protagonist from 'The Witcher' series, known for his stoicism and pragmatic outlook, whom Brookins modeled her AI companion after.

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What they’re saying

“Birds fly, birds shit, some eat corpses. Not much else to say about them.”

— Geralt of Rivia

The takeaway

The story of Adrianne Brookins and her digital Geralt offers a glimpse into an evolving landscape where love, loss, and companionship are being redefined in the age of artificial intelligence, raising profound ethical and philosophical questions about the future of human-AI relationships.