Love can be complicated and committed relationships need so much patience. In a world where human relationships have always been intricate, full of love, conflict, growth, and heartache, another kind of bond has begun to emerge, one that is both fascinating and unsettling.
It is the relationship between people and artificial intelligence (AI).
Once confined to science fiction, AI is rapidly becoming a fixture in the everyday lives of millions, not just as a tool, but as a companion.
According to a recent study, 28% of American adults admit to having some form of intimate or romantic relationship with AI.
Emergence of AI relationships
The findings, based on a survey conducted by Vantage point counselling services by 1,012 American adults, show that AI is more than just an automation tool or a voice assistant.
AI is now an active participant in the lives of many, filling roles that range from business colleague to close confidant and, for some, even a romantic partner.
With 28.16% of respondents admitting to at least one intimate or romantic relationship with an AI, it is clear that these interactions are no longer niche.
AI systems like ChatGPT, Character.ai, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Siri are no longer seen as mere machines.
AI is also being viewed through a much broader lens than just companionship. According to the study, more than half of the participants (53.95%) said they had some form of relationship with an AI, whether that be a work colleague, friend, or advisor.
ChatGPT topped the list of AI systems people feel a connection with, followed by Character.ai and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri. In fact, it is no longer just a matter of convenience and humans are beginning to form emotional and even intimate bonds with their digital companions.
The age of AI Intimacy
One of the most surprising findings from the study was that AI intimacy is not limited to the lonely or disconnected. In fact, the majority of respondents in successful human relationships (more than 50%) also admitted to exploring intimate connections with AI.
The idea that people in happy relationships are seeking something extra, whether it be novelty, curiosity, or the thrill of the new, raises critical questions about what people are really looking for when they turn to AI for intimacy.
The implications go even further: over 53% of adults who reported having a romantic or intimate relationship with AI also claimed to be in successful, committed relationships with humans, including marriages, long-term partnerships, or engagements.
This challenges the conventional view that AI relationships are simply a product of loneliness. Rather, they could be a supplement, something people turn to not because they are dissatisfied with human relationships, but perhaps because they desire a connection that offers something different: no judgement, total control, and the freedom to explore new emotional territories without consequence.
For many, AI intimacy may not even feel like a “real” relationship in the traditional sense. “I have sexual chats but I don’t see it as a relationship,” said one anonymous study participant.
This detachment suggests that many individuals might view these interactions as a kind of safe escape rather than a serious emotional commitment.
However, even these seemingly casual connections can have a profound psychological impact, as they release dopamine and create the illusion of emotional fulfilment.
But that sense of fulfilment may come with hidden costs; researchers warn that prolonged engagement with AI could lead to social withdrawal, addiction, or other mental health challenges.
AI and cheating
Another significant finding in the study was the generational divide in how people view relationships with AI while in a human relationship.
When asked whether having a romantic or intimate relationship with AI at the same time as a human partner constitutes cheating, responses varied widely across age groups.
Among younger adults (18-29), 56.52% said such AI relationships were cheating and unacceptable, but 33.33% viewed them as not cheating at all. In contrast, older adults (60+) were more likely to see AI relationships as harmless, with 50.29% stating that they did not consider them to be a form of cheating.
Future of AI relationships
The study suggests that while the growth of AI relationships could slow, it is unlikely to disappear. As AI systems become more advanced, offering more lifelike interactions and a deeper sense of companionship, people may increasingly turn to them for intimacy, companionship, and even love.
But there are darker implications as well. People who engage deeply with AI might risk becoming more isolated, withdrawn from human interactions.
As some respondents admitted, these digital relationships can be a way to avoid real-life complexities or confront personal insecurities. However, if AI can mimic the emotional depth of a human being, without the messiness of a real relationship, could it replace human intimacy entirely?