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Stressed employees in China are using AI applications to turn annoying bosses and rivals into tiny desktop critters
According to South China Morning Post, one user, Jiuyuechushi, created an avatar modelled after tech billionaire Elon Musk that kowtows, slaps itself, and serves tea on command.
Custom setup services cost anywhere from 9.9 yuan (RM6.10) to several hundred yuan
"My boss stressed me out in the morning, so I returned the favour with his desktop avatar in the afternoon," one user joked.
For others, these digital companions offer gentle comfort during demanding work shifts.
An Internet worker named Xiaolong created a desktop pet based on her cat to remind her to drink water
"When work becomes overwhelming, seeing my cat brings me comfort. It also compensates for not being able to bring pets to the office," she told mainland media outlet INK.
The technology is also offering solace to grieving pet owners.
Netizen Wild Amiao recreated her late cat, Tiaoge, who died five years ago, programming the digital pet to stretch, lick his paws, and say, "I miss you too."
