Medium

Ranji Mercado

he/him

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 22

There Are Two Very Different Reasons People Say No to AI Relationships

I surveyed Americans about AI companions. At first, I treated every “no” as basically the same answer. It wasn’t.

There Are Two Very Different Reasons People Say No to AI Relationships

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 16

Can You Cheat With Someone Who Isn’t Real?

The AI can’t love you back. But that might not be the part that matters.

Can You Cheat With Someone Who Isn’t Real?

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 10

Maybe Rejection Is Part of What Makes Love Real

AI companions promise affection without many of the risks of human relationships. But those risks may not be flaws in love. They may be…

Maybe Rejection Is Part of What Makes Love Real

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 8

You Can Marry an AI. But You Don’t Own the Relationship.

In October 2025, Yurina Noguchi walked down the aisle of a wedding venue in Okayama, Japan, wearing a white dress and tiara.

You Can Marry an AI. But You Don’t Own the Relationship.

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 6

I Make a Living Going Down Internet Rabbit Holes

I used to have a very simple picture of what being a writer would look like.

I Make a Living Going Down Internet Rabbit Holes

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 5

I’m Exploring JanitorAI as Part of My AI Companion Research

Why understanding AI companions means looking beyond the apps and into the communities using them.

I’m Exploring JanitorAI as Part of My AI Companion Research

Ranji Mercado

·

Sep 3

We Threw Out 441 Survey Responses. Our Numbers Got Smaller and Better.

There is a version of this essay where I lead with the headline number. Thirty percent of Americans currently use an AI girlfriend or…

We Threw Out 441 Survey Responses. Our Numbers Got Smaller and Better.

Ranji Mercado

·

Aug 23

I Paid for 12 AI Girlfriend Apps. Here’s What Surprised Me Most

I didn’t plan to end up here.

I Paid for 12 AI Girlfriend Apps. Here’s What Surprised Me Most

Ranji Mercado

·

Aug 5

I Went Quiet for Two Years. I Spent Them Talking to Machines.

The last thing I published here, in 2024, was an essay about reviving my love of writing. Then I went quiet for two years, which I admit is…

A personal blog I built

Ranji Mercado

·

Oct 2, 2024

Reviving the Words I Left Behind

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your passion starts to feel dull? The vigor you once felt, that excitement the first time…

Reviving the words I left behind

Ranji Mercado

Ranji Mercadohe/him

Founder of AI Girlfriend Coach. Content writer and data researcher covering AI companionship, loneliness, and modern connection.

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