AI companions drive rise in human-artificial intelligence romantic relationships

The rise of artificial intelligence companions is driving a growing trend of individuals forming emotional and romantic bonds with AI. In China, women are increasingly using apps like Glow to seek companionship, advice, and emotional reassurance from fictional AI characters. Filmmaker Chouwa Liang’s documentary, ‘Replica’, explores these connections, noting how AI helped individuals cope with isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Global data highlights the scale of this phenomenon. A survey by Vantage Point Counselling in the United States found that 28% of 1,012 adults surveyed reported having at least one romantic relationship with an AI robot. Among children and adolescents aged 5 to 17, research involving over 3,000 devices indicated that romantic or sexual conversations were the most common topic in 63% of interactions with AI companions by age 13.

In the United Kingdom, a study by Male Allies involving 1,000 boys aged 12 to 16 found that one in five is either in a relationship with an AI companion or knows someone who is. These chatbots are designed to simulate intimacy and attention, adapting to user interests to build trust and provide constant emotional availability.