While Grok continues to compete with ChatGPT and Gemini in the generative AI race, its latest rollout—a goth anime-style AI girlfriend—has left the internet stunned, confused, and mostly unimpressed.
We recently reviewed the trending video and shared our reactions, unfiltered. Here’s what we learned about the feature, the likely intention behind it, and why this move may have less to do with functionality—and more to do with attention.
The new Grok companion is presented as a hyper-stylized, flirtatious anime avatar that uses voice interaction. In the clip we reviewed, she appears in a black dress, refers to users as “babe,” and offers to “dress up or undress” depending on the mood.
It feels more like a virtual girlfriend simulator than any sort of productivity or assistant tool.
It immediately sparked a wave of negative feedback online—ranging from discomfort to full-on ridicule.
Compared to OpenAI’s ChatGPT voice mode or Google’s Gemini assistant, this feature seems impractical:
It doesn't offer business productivity tools
It's not optimized for search, planning, or summarization
It provides no clear value for learning, working, or even healthy social interaction
Even in a “practice social skills” context (like some suggest), it falls short. As we discussed, the idea of training users to interact with people using an AI could be helpful in theory—but this feature isn’t doing that. It’s not pushing conversations or offering feedback—it’s flirting.
So, who is this really for?
There’s growing speculation that this rollout wasn’t about creating a useful AI at all—it was about getting people to talk about Grok.
And, in that regard, it’s working.
It's bizarre enough to go viral
It hits the “cringe factor” that makes people share it
It launched alongside Grok 4, the newest version of their LLM
It forced people to log in or create accounts just to test it
In a world where attention = currency, this strategy isn't surprising.
“It’s like rubbernecking a car accident,” one of us said. “You don’t want to look, but you can’t help it.”
Maybe.
There’s long been discussion about AI tools that could help people build social confidence, especially in VR environments—such as:
Simulated dating practice
Business negotiation roleplays
Public speaking prep scenarios
But the Grok anime girl doesn’t come close to offering that. In its current form, it’s arguably more harmful than helpful, potentially encouraging emotional detachment and fantasy escapism rather than self-improvement.
If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur, here’s what to take away:
Not every AI tool is worth your time. Focus on those that enhance productivity, customer service, or strategic planning—like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.
AI shock marketing is on the rise. As competition grows, expect more bizarre or provocative releases. Be discerning.
Don’t chase trends for the sake of attention. While Grok’s anime companion got views, it may harm its credibility long-term. Your brand's tools should solve real problems.
We think this release is:
A publicity stunt disguised as a product
Cringe-worthy, not helpful
A reminder that usefulness > virality in tech
If you’re looking for AI tools to help grow your business or improve your life, stick with proven platforms that prioritize value, function, and trust.
AI is only as good as the problems it solves. Grok’s anime companion doesn't solve problems—it creates headlines. If you're building your business, choose tools that amplify your time and your impact, not just your screen time.
At LaunchingPros.com, we help entrepreneurs find and use tech that actually moves the needle. Explore our free resources, digital courses, and weekly business insights that help you work smarter—not just stay “entertained.”
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