In 2024, as loneliness becomes a global epidemic, Gen Z is embracing an unexpected solution: owning both a virtual pet in the metaverse and its genetically cloned real-life counterpart. Dubbed “Twin Pet Parenting,” this trend is exploding on TikTok (#DigitalClonePets, 420M views) , where young adults showcase their “phygital” (physical+digital) companions. But is this emotional Band-Aid a heartwarming innovation or a dystopian overreach?
The appeal lies in the promise of an unbreakable bond. Virtual pets, powered by advanced AI, learn and evolve based on user interactions—responding to voice commands, developing unique personalities, and even mimicking behaviors through VR and AR. Meanwhile, biotech companies offer cloning services for those who want a tangible counterpart, allowing owners to preserve their beloved pets indefinitely. A viral example includes a Shanghai influencer whose cloned Persian cat and its digital twin mirror each other’s actions, amassing millions of views.
What’s driving this trend? For many, it’s a response to isolation in an increasingly digital world. Surveys indicate that over 70% of twin pet owners cite emotional fulfillment as their primary motivation, with some even using cloning to “recreate” deceased pets. Social validation also plays a role—flaunting a rare cloned animal alongside its high-tech virtual version has become a status symbol among affluent Gen Z and millennials.
However, the trend isn’t without controversy. Ethical concerns loom large, with critics condemning pet cloning as unnatural and exploitative. Reports of health complications in cloned animals have sparked outrage, while psychologists warn about the risks of emotional dependency on AI companions. Additionally, data privacy issues arise as metaverse pets collect vast amounts of personal user data, raising questions about corporate manipulation of human emotions.
Despite the backlash, the market is booming. E-commerce platforms now offer bundled deals, such as VR headsets paired with cloning consultations, while social media challenges encourage users to engage with the trend. Looking ahead, startups are experimenting with “AI soul transfer,” claiming they can upload a living pet’s personality into a digital avatar. Meanwhile, counter-movements like Japan’s “Real Pets Only” campaign push back, advocating for authentic animal companionship over synthetic alternatives.
The debate is far from settled. Is this the future of pet ownership—a seamless blend of technology and biology that eases loneliness? Or does it signal a deeper societal shift toward emotionally outsourcing our need for connection? As the lines between real and virtual blur, one thing is certain: the way we relate to our pets will never be the same.
