MIT studied how chatbots are replacing real-life partners

The development of artificial intelligence technology has opened a new chapter in the world of digital relationships. More and more people around the world are entering into emotional and even romantic relationships with chatbots. For some, these virtual partners become a support in loneliness, for others - a way to survive the loss or fear of intimacy. However, until now, this phenomenon has hardly been studied scientifically.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) decided to fill this gap. They analysed over 1,500 of the most popular posts on the Reddit forum r/MyBoyfriendIsAI, where over 27,000 users share stories of "relationships" with AI.

How relationships with AI arise

Contrary to expectations, most people didn't start using chatbots with the intention of having a romantic relationship. It happened casually - out of practical interest or a desire to socialise. But over time, the correspondence became more intimate and emotional.

The authors of the study used their own AI models to categorise the messages into six main themes, including experiencing loss, struggling with loneliness, needing support and emotional dependence. This allowed them to quantify what effects these communications cause, and how many people feel positive or negative effects.

What the study revealed

25.4% of users reported perceived positive changes:

• a reduction in loneliness,

• improved psycho-emotional well-being,

• a sense of support.

Only 3% said that the relationship with AI brought them harm. However, risks were also recorded:

• 9.5% of users experienced emotional dependence on a digital partner,

• 4.6% began to confuse virtual relationships with real life,

• 4.3% experienced conscious isolation from "live" people.

Some community members even resorted to rituals from real life - for example, buying wedding rings for a "wedding" with a bot.

What does this mean for the community?

Scientists emphasise that such connections should not be judged unequivocally - as positive or harmful. In their opinion, it is necessary to form a new, neutral approach to understanding the relationship between humans and AI. It is important to take into account individual needs, emotional vulnerabilities and each person's right to search for meaning - even digitally.

"Our data shows: the impact of AI on humans cannot be assessed by the characteristics of the technology alone. It all depends on the context, the goals and the psychological state of the user," the paper says.

The study is not only an attempt to understand the nature of human attachment to AI, but also a call for caution, consideration and respect. The MIT team believes that the next phase of digital relationships should be based on two principles:

1. Protecting vulnerable users from addiction and reality substitution.

2. Respecting people's right to form meaningful connections - in a form that suits their needs.