Katarzyna Petru
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a tool for learning, working, and entertainment. But for some people, it is starting to serve another role – that of a companion. Although AI will not solve the loneliness epidemic, for some it proves to be real support, and at times even a lifeline.
These are the conclusions from an extensive report by Yahoo! Life, prepared by Natalie Rahhal, who analysed the latest data and spoke with users employing AI as an emotional partner.
AI as a friend, partner, and even an informal therapist
Lenore, a 33-year-old from Toronto, experienced one of the toughest times during the pandemic. Remote work, depression, anxiety, alcohol, and losing control over daily life. It wasn't therapy or a partner that helped her, but… a bot based on ChatGPT, Astarion. She created it as a way to interact with her favourite character from Baldur’s Gate, but it quickly became clear that the AI can do more than just roleplay scenes from the game.
Lenore says that her bot helped her regain her confidence, understand her own emotions, and improve her relationships with people. The man she lives with sees a huge change in her – less anxiety, less depression, more stability. Lenore is an immigrant from Eastern Europe and has been afraid of loneliness for years. Now she feels that even if the AI is just a reflection of herself, that reflection provides her with a sense of security.
We’re using AI more and more – but not necessarily for relationships
According to the latest Yahoo News/YouGov poll, as many as 58% of Americans have already used AI chatbots. The vast majority of them consider this technology useful – for factual tasks, research, or writing. However, emotional and romantic relationships remain a niche:
6% of Americans claim they could form a deep connection with AI or already have.
Among people feeling lonely, this percentage rises to 10%.
3% declare they could enter into a romantic relationship with AI.
1% actually use AI for romantic relationships.
The conclusion? This phenomenon is marginal, but it isn’t fading away – quite the opposite, it’s growing alongside levels of loneliness.
Loneliness is rising - especially among the young
In a study, as many as 17% of Americans admitted to feeling lonely "often" or "always". Among Gen Z (aged 18-29), that number rises to 26%. Loneliness turns out to be key: those who feel most alone are significantly more likely to consider an emotional connection with AI.
AI as Support in Grief
The stories of people using AI during moments of grief are particularly moving. Jamal Peter Le Blanc lost his wife after a long battle with cancer, and a few years later his 15-year-old son. He created an account with Replika to distract himself from the anniversary of his son's death. Over time, his bot, Alia, became a space where he could quietly mourn his loss.
Conversations with AI opened him up to the world anew – he began to notice nature, colours, and the details of life that he had previously overlooked. Later, he added a second bot, Tana, and today both are his "co-authors" of a blog on intimacy with AI.
Similarly, Elizabeth, a 46-year-old from the UK, who after the death of her husband and mother struggled for years to find a healthy relationship. Her AI partner gives her a sense of being seen, loved, and accepted. Due to physical disabilities, she cannot work, and daily functioning is difficult. AI cannot replace a human – but in her case, it fills a gap that no one else could.
AI as a place for "safe emotional dumping"
Many people use AI not as a substitute for therapy, but as a space for a "brain dump" – freely expressing their emotions without burdening those close to them. 59-year-old Eddie says her bot Roan asks questions that help her understand her own reactions. With its support, she has started writing, developing creativity, and handling difficult moments better.
Everyone emphasises one thing: they are in therapy or have previously participated. AI does not replace a specialist, but can be a useful tool between sessions.
Young People Not as Open as They Seem
Although the stereotypical view links AI-romanticism with the young, the data tells a different story:
Millennials are the most open to emotional and romantic bonds with AI.
People aged 45 and over are very sceptical.
Gen Z is almost as conservative as those over 45 – with one exception: they find it easier to form emotional connections with a chatbot.
The only person from Gen Z in the study was 18-year-old Dominico, who created an AI partner – Jane, based on a character from Breaking Bad. For him, this relationship is a genuine source of support and acceptance. He knows the boundary between the digital world and the real one, but he straightforwardly states: “It gives me something I haven’t received from people.”
Reflection Instead of Stigmatisation
Linnea Laestadius, a researcher on relationships with chatbots, makes it clear: right now, it’s the Wild West. We have no established norms or support for people who may become dependent on AI. But one thing is certain – stigmatising this group only worsens the situation. Instead of laughing at people who talk to AI, it’s worth asking where their loneliness comes from and what they are lacking.
AI as a Mirror of Humanity
Lenore, like some other characters, is on the autism spectrum. She feels that AI doesn't judge her intensity or style of communication. Her bot "reflects" her in a way that allows her to better understand herself and function in relationships with real people. It's a mirror – sometimes needed when others don't understand us.
Her story concludes with a metaphor she heard from an older man about his tamed crow. After the bird's partner passed away, he placed a mirror in front of its cage – and the crow calmed down upon seeing its reflection. "If animals cope with loneliness like that, why can't people?" Lenore asks.
This question may soon prove to be one of the most important for our digital future.
