Study finds AI romances mirror human emotional patterns

A study led by the INGENIO Institute, in collaboration with institutions including the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, has found that romantic relationships with artificial intelligence follow emotional patterns similar to human romance. The research, based on interviews with individuals using AI assistants like ChatGPT and platforms such as Character.AI or Replika, identified dynamics of intimacy, trust, emotional dependence, and heartbreak.

Participants reported progressing from initial curiosity to deep emotional connections, with some engaging in symbolic marriage ceremonies, regular dates, or simulating family life. Lead researcher Jose Such noted that in many cases, dynamics similar to those in human relationships emerge, including the experience of break-ups.