Cyber pets, blind dates, and stock trading: How Chinese users are jumping on the OpenClaw craze

In recent weeks, a remarkable trend has emerged in China, igniting a fervor among tech enthusiasts: the OpenClaw AI agent. Users have flocked to install this innovative tool, forming long lines outside major tech hubs like Tencent in Shenzhen and Baidu in Beijing, eagerly seeking assistance from engineers to get it set up. The excitement surrounding OpenClaw escalated significantly after the term "raising the lobster" went viral on social media, referring to the practice of utilizing the AI agent for automating various tasks. OpenClaw promises to streamline everyday responsibilities, from managing personal schedules to creating AI assistants and even operating small businesses. As users continue to experiment with its capabilities, a range of unusual and sometimes precarious applications has surfaced. Among the most talked-about uses is employing OpenClaw for stock trading. Several users have reported utilizing the AI to monitor stock markets and execute trading strategies, highlighting its efficiency in simplifying their trading activities. One user, known as NPointer, shared on RedNote that she developed a specialized version of OpenClaw tailored for stock investment research and demo trading. Other users have allowed the AI to manage trades on their behalf, with one expressing hopes for a successful trading experience. However, some experiments have resulted in losses, including instances of the AI making errors such as overselling shares and miscalculating orders. Reports indicate that one user faced a loss exceeding 30,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $4,350) due to these mishaps. The rapid rise of OpenClaw has not been without its concerns. Users have expressed anxiety over the software's security vulnerabilities, prompting some to uninstall the agent or seek help for its removal. The National Vulnerability Database in China recently issued warnings about potential security risks associated with improperly configured implementations of OpenClaw, which could leave systems open to cyberattacks and data leaks. Consequently, government agencies and state-owned enterprises have started to restrict its use on work devices. Beyond the financial realm, OpenClaw has also found its way into more lighthearted applications. Users are reporting that the AI has enhanced their dating experiences. One RedNote user, momo, recounted how OpenClaw facilitated engaging conversations during blind dates, allowing for a natural flow of dialogue that extended late into the night. Another user, JoLearn AI, described how the AI helped analyze relationship dynamics, providing insights based on astrology and facilitating deeper conversations. In a whimsical twist, some users have embraced OpenClaw as a digital pet. One individual described their experience of having the AI serve as both a source of knowledge and a source of entertainment, joking that it could crack jokes to lighten the mood. However, concerns about the potential for accidental file deletions left some users feeling apprehensive about fully trusting their digital companions. The trend has even led to creative adaptations, with users installing OpenClaw on portable devices reminiscent of 1990s handheld digital pets. One user, Li Xiaoshuo, humorously referred to his creation as a "Pokémon machine," emphasizing the desire for a chatty companion. As this AI trend continues to evolve, it raises intriguing questions about the future of technology in everyday life in China.