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As the rising phenomenon, known as "AI-lationships," is trending, it's blurring the line between ... More humans and machines, starting people to ask, "How do you know what's real?"
AI was created to help humans with their workload. But a growing trend is blurring the line between humans and robots, turning work interactions into intimate relationships. The term “AI-lationships” is a growing phenomenon where people are forming friendship, companionship--even romantic connections with AI partners. The trend raises questions about what it means to be connected when connection no longer requires a human face or warm heart.
What Are ‘AI-Lationships’?
As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, emotional intimacy is shifting in ways we’ve barely begun to understand. The term “AI-lationships,” created by Joi AI, is a new kind of relationship where people form emotional bonds with AI partners. In a world already shaped by digital distance, people are starting to have real bonds with machines, raising questions about companionship, trust and if 'AI-Lationships’ are the solution to loneliness or will they further isolate the human race?
A new EduBirdie study mentions that 25% of Gen Z believe AI is already self-aware, and 69% say they’re polite to ChatGPT, responding with “please” and “thank you”--showing how easy it is to start thinking of the machines as human. One in eight even vent to AI about their colleagues, and one in 10 would replace their boss with a robot, believing it would be more respectful, fair and, ironically, more human.
Joi Ai’s research shows that 83% of Gen Z believe they could form a deep emotional bond with an AI partner, three in four say that AI partners can fully replace human companionship and eight in 10 would consider marrying one. Plus, Google searches for "Feelings for AI" and "Fell in love with AI" are up +120% and +132%, respectively.
I spoke by email with Jaime Bronstein, licensed clinical social worker and licensed relationship therapist at Joi Ai. She told me that AI-lationships are not intended to replace real human connections. She explains that they provide a distinct type of emotional support that can enhance your overall emotional well-being, as many people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, unheard and alone.
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