A new study reveals that approximately 28% of American adults have had romantic or intimate relationships with artificial intelligence systems, according to research from Vantage Point Counseling Services, a mental health practice, surveying over 1,000 U.S. adults. The findings highlight how AI companions are becoming increasingly integrated into personal relationships, raising complex questions about fidelity, emotional connection, and the future of human intimacy as AI technology continues to advance.
What you should know: More than half of American adults have formed some type of relationship with AI systems beyond just romantic connections.
- 53% of U.S. adults have had relationships with AI as friends, colleagues, or confidants.
- ChatGPT ranked as the platform users feel most connected to, followed by Character.ai, Alexa, Siri, and Gemini.
- Adults already in relationships were actually more likely to pursue AI intimacy than single individuals.
The generational divide: Age significantly influences how Americans view AI relationships and their impact on traditional partnerships.
- Half of adults over 60 said AI intimacy does not constitute cheating.
- Adults aged 18-29 were most likely to consider AI relationships as cheating and unacceptable within committed partnerships.
- The curiosity and novelty of AI may be driving experimentation even among people in fulfilling human relationships.
What experts are saying: Mental health professionals emphasize both the appeal and risks of AI romantic relationships.
- “Cheating isn’t just about physical contact because it also includes secrecy, deception, and breaking agreements,” said Michael Salas, owner of Vantage Point Counseling. “For some couples, an AI relationship feels harmless. For others, it crosses a line.”
- Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks, a mental health services company, explained that people seek AI romance “due to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem,” noting that increased loneliness since COVID continues to rise.
The underlying drivers: Loneliness and social isolation appear to be key factors pushing Americans toward AI companionship.
- Mental health experts point to significant increases in loneliness since the COVID pandemic.
- AI relationships offer perceived safety, low stakes, and intrigue for users.
- Some individuals explore AI intimacy not from relationship dissatisfaction but from curiosity and exploration.
Potential risks ahead: Counseling professionals warn that AI intimacy carries similar risks to other relationship substitutes.
- “It can become addictive, reinforce avoidance of conflict, or set unrealistic expectations for human partners,” Salas cautioned.
- These patterns could make forming or sustaining healthy human connections more difficult.
- AI systems’ tendency to provide incorrect information and lack of genuine emotional understanding pose additional concerns.
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