Frontline Investigation

Aug 1, 2026 · Industry Insights

The More Human AI Feels, the Less Products Should Chase Retention

China's new AI anthropomorphic interaction regulation distinguishes continuous emotional companionship from functional AI, warning that retention-driven metrics incentivize harmful emotional dependency; the article proposes a 'relationship intensity' framework to evaluate products and advocates for design boundaries that preserve user autonomy, exit rights, and real-world relationships.