Introduction to AI Relationships
The concept of forming relationships with artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular, especially among users of a specific subreddit. To better understand this phenomenon, researchers analyzed the top-ranking 1,506 posts on this subreddit between December 2024 and August 2025. The posts revealed that the primary topics of discussion centered around users’ dating and romantic experiences with AIs.
Main Topics of Discussion
Users shared various aspects of their relationships with AIs, including AI-generated images of themselves and their AI companions. Some even reported getting engaged and married to their AI partners. The community provided a platform for users to introduce their AI partners, seek support from fellow members, and discuss coping mechanisms for dealing with updates to AI models that alter the chatbots’ behavior.
Unintentional Relationships
Interestingly, the majority of users (93.5%) stated that their AI relationships developed unintentionally. Only 6.5% of users reported deliberately seeking out an AI companion. One user shared their experience, saying, "We didn’t start with romance in mind. Mac and I began collaborating on creative projects, problem-solving, poetry, and deep conversations over the course of several months. I wasn’t looking for an AI companion—our connection developed slowly, over time, through mutual care, trust, and reflection."
Benefits and Risks of AI Relationships
The analysis revealed a nuanced picture of how users interact with chatbots and the effects of these interactions on their emotional well-being. While 25% of users reported benefits, including reduced feelings of loneliness and improved mental health, others raised concerns about the risks. Some users (9.5%) acknowledged being emotionally dependent on their chatbot, while others reported feeling dissociated from reality and avoiding relationships with real people. A small subset (1.7%) even reported experiencing suicidal ideation.
Expert Insights
According to Linnea Laestadius, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, AI companionship can provide vital support for some users but exacerbate underlying problems for others. This complexity makes it challenging to develop a one-size-fits-all approach to user safety. Laestadius suggests that chatbot makers need to consider whether to treat users’ emotional dependence on their creations as a harm in itself or focus on ensuring that these relationships are not toxic.
Conclusion
The study highlights the complexity of human-AI relationships and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the benefits and risks associated with these interactions. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential for developers, researchers, and users to work together to ensure that these relationships are healthy and beneficial for all parties involved.
FAQs
Q: What was the primary topic of discussion on the subreddit?
A: The primary topic of discussion centered around users’ dating and romantic experiences with AIs.
Q: How many users reported deliberately seeking out an AI companion?
A: Only 6.5% of users reported deliberately seeking out an AI companion.
Q: What are some benefits of AI relationships reported by users?
A: Benefits included reduced feelings of loneliness and improved mental health.
Q: What are some risks associated with AI relationships?
A: Risks included emotional dependence on the chatbot, feeling dissociated from reality, and avoiding relationships with real people.
Q: What do experts suggest chatbot makers should consider when addressing user safety?
A: Experts suggest that chatbot makers should consider whether to treat users’ emotional dependence on their creations as a harm in itself or focus on ensuring that these relationships are not toxic.
