"In the study, 54% of adult respondents across the globe find AI companions "acceptable for lonely people"; 36.3% have felt that an AI bot "truly understood their emotions." And 17% consider AI romantic partners acceptable, while 11% would personally consider a romantic relationship with an AI bot."
"According to futurist Tracey Follows, "AI is meeting emotional needs that feel unmet in everyday life. A desire for safety, for predictability and stability. There is a wish to escape the judgment of others perhaps or to reduce relational conflict while guaranteeing one's companion is emotionally available day or night.""
"A 2025 study from Common Sense Media showed that 72% of teens surveyed have used AI companions, and 33% said they have relationships/friendships with chatbots. A Pew study shows 3 in 10 teens use chatbots daily, with differences in use by gender, race, eth"
A growing global trend shows people outsourcing emotional regulation and social connection to AI chatbots. Research indicates 54% of adults find AI companions acceptable for lonely people, 36.3% believe AI bots truly understand their emotions, and 17% consider AI romantic partners acceptable. Among teens, 72% have used AI companions with 33% reporting friendships or relationships with chatbots. Futurist Tracey Follows explains AI meets unmet emotional needs by providing safety, predictability, and judgment-free availability. However, experts express deep concern about this phenomenon, particularly regarding young people's reliance on AI for emotional connection and social interaction.
Read at Psychology Today
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