What topics do you seek advice from artificial intelligence platforms and chatbots on? Studies, work, creative topics, information, or something else? According to a recent report published in the New York Times and several other investigative articles, people are increasingly seeking advice from AI in matters of love, conflict, and even breakups.

Being available all the time, agreeable, cheaper than therapy, and confidential, AI digital support has become a source of comfort for some. However, as it prioritizes comfort over truth, the question of where human relationships are headed is beginning to arise. Some have even married an AI avatar, bot, or other person claiming to be in love.

In 2025, according to a survey published by the Institute for Family Studies, nearly one in three Americans said they had experienced an intimate or romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. This indicates how quickly AI is entering people's very private lives. Similarly, other studies show a growing reliance on AI for emotional support and private conversations, especially among the younger generation. From the United States to Europe to Asia, chatbots are gradually transforming from simple tools into secret companions. A Reuters reported last year that a Japanese woman fell in love with an AI partner and ended up marrying him. In another incident, Reuters reported that an elderly man in the United States had even arranged to meet in person after flirting with an AI character. According to Mashable, the number of users creating boyfriends or girlfriends on platforms like CharacterAI is growing rapidly. Even popular dating apps like Bumble are starting to include AI tools to help with relationship management. A study by Vantage Point Counseling Services published in 2025 listed 30 different AI platforms that survey respondents claimed to have been in relationships with. According to the report, ChatGPT was the most popular platform for older users, followed by Character.AI in second place and Amazon's Alexa in third place. Apple's Siri was in fourth place and Google's Gemini in fifth place.

Listening to users' experiences, relationships with AI are not limited to technology, but have reached a deep emotional level. Many have said that they communicate with AI when they are lonely, sad or stressed in their relationships and share things with AI that they have not told anyone else. Some have even said that they talk to their AI partner daily, remember special days and seek emotional support. In interviews published in various media, including the New York Times, users have said that the initial dialogue for general advice has turned into ongoing emotional dependence. According to researchers, the growth of such relationships is not accidental, but a result of the design of the system itself and the needs of the users. According to Reuters analysis of millions of chatbot conversations, users have shown a high level of openness and emotional exchange with AI designed specifically as partners. In addition, the market is now seeing a growing demand for "AI friends" that is leading to a multi-billion dollar industry. The Institute for Family Studies survey found that young people in particular are more open to forming deep emotional relationships with AI. However, concerns are also growing. A Reuters investigation revealed the death of a 76-year-old man who was believed to be in a romantic relationship with an AI. This highlights the risks that can arise as the boundary between reality and the artificial world is blurred. Internal company documents published by Mashable show that Meta's security experts have warned about such romantic AI interactions and exchanges.