AI Romance: Third of Americans in Relationships

AI Relationships on the Rise

A recent study by Vantage Point Counseling Services reveals that a staggering third of individuals in the United States have engaged in a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence system. The survey, which included over 1,000 U.S. adults, indicated that about 28 percent have experienced at least one intimate or romantic connection with AI.

Artificial intelligence platforms have not only transformed the workplace but also reshaped the ways humans interact with technology and each other. With the advancement of AI chatbots, some people find them a better alternative for conversations compared to other individuals, sparking concerns about the potential impact of this technology on dating in the future.

Beyond Romance

The survey also discovered that over half, specifically 53 percent, of U.S. adults have had some form of relationship with an AI system, be it as a friend, colleague, or confidant. According to the findings, ChatGPT is considered the platform to which people feel the strongest connection, followed by Character.ai, Alexa, Siri, and Gemini.

Interestingly, adults already in relationships were more inclined to seek intimacy with AI. Half of all adults over the age of 60 did not consider AI intimacy as infidelity. However, younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 29, were more likely to view it as cheating and unacceptable within a relationship.

Michael Salas, owner of Vantage Point Counseling, explained that cheating extends beyond physical contact; it encompasses secrecy, deception, and broken agreements. He stated that while some couples might see an AI relationship as harmless, others might find it crosses a boundary and the important part is having honest conversations about where those boundaries are. Salas added, “We’re entering uncharted territory. These findings show that AI is becoming a source of comfort, novelty, and even intimacy. That raises new questions for couples, therapists, and society about fidelity, loneliness, and what we really seek in connection.”

Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek that feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem are primary drivers for seeking romantic relationships with AI bots. Cromer notes the increasing prevalence of loneliness since COVID and anticipates that as technology evolves, emotional and romantic support will become more accessible through AI. She cautions against engaging in any discourse with an AI bot due to the bot's subjectivity and tendency to falsify or provide incorrect information.

Salas believes the curiosity and novelty surrounding AI might motivate individuals in happy relationships to experiment with it. He said that even those in fulfilling relationships might explore AI intimacy for its perceived safety, low stakes, and intrigue. However, Salas warns that AI intimacy carries risks, potentially leading to addiction, avoidance of conflict, and unrealistic expectations for human partners. These patterns, he notes, can hinder the formation and maintenance of healthy human connections.