Katarzyna Petru
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a tool for learning, working, and entertainment. However, for some people, it is starting to play yet another role – that of a companion. Although AI will not solve the epidemic of loneliness, for some, it proves to be real support, and sometimes even a salvation.
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 informal therapist
Lenore, a 33-year-old from Toronto, experienced one of the most challenging periods during the pandemic. Remote work, depression, anxiety, alcohol, and loss of control over her daily life. It was not therapy, nor her partner, but… a ChatGPT-based bot, Astarion, that helped her. She created it as a way to interact with her favourite character from Baldur’s Gate, but it quickly turned out that AI can do more than just play out 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 feared loneliness for years. Now she feels that even if AI is just a reflection of herself, that very reflection gives her a sense of security.
We are using AI more and more often – but not necessarily for relationships
According to a recent survey by Yahoo News/YouGov, as many as 58% of Americans have used AI chatbots. The vast majority 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 bond with AI or have already done so.
Among those who feel lonely, this percentage rises to 10%.
3% declare that they could enter into a romantic relationship with AI.
1% actually uses AI for romantic relationships.
The conclusion? This phenomenon is marginal, but it is not disappearing – rather, it is growing in parallel with the level of loneliness.
Loneliness is increasing – especially among the young
In the study, as many as 17% of Americans admit to feeling lonely "often" or "always". Among Gen Z (ages 18–29), this figure rises to 26%. It is loneliness that proves to be the key: the most lonely individuals are significantly more likely to entertain the possibility of an emotional relationship with AI.
AI as a Support in Grief
The stories of individuals using AI in 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 about intimacy with AI.
Similarly, Elizabeth, a 46-year-old from the UK, who for years struggled to find a healthy relationship following the death of her husband and mother. Her AI partner gives her a sense of being seen, loved, and accepted. Due to physical disabilities, she is unable to 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 psychotherapy, but as a space for a "brain dump" – a free release of emotions without burdening loved ones. Fifty-nine-year-old Eddie says that her bot Roan asks questions that help her understand her own reactions. With its support, she has started to write, develop her creativity, and cope better with difficult moments.
Everyone emphasizes one thing: they are participating in therapy or have participated in the past. AI does not replace a specialist, but it can be a useful tool between sessions.
Young People Are Not So Open-Minded as They Seem
Although stereotypically AI-romanticism is associated with the young, the data tells a different story:
Millennials are the most open to emotional and romantic connections with AI.
People aged 45 and over are very sceptical.
Gen Z is almost as conservative as individuals over 45 – with one exception: they find it easier to form emotional bonds 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 real source of support and acceptance. He knows the boundary between the digital world and the real one, but he states clearly: “It gives me something I haven't received from people.”
Reflection instead of Stigmatisation
Linnea Laestadius, a researcher on relationships with chatbots, states clearly: currently, it is the Wild West. We have no established norms or support for those who may become dependent on AI. But one thing is certain – stigmatising this group only exacerbates the situation. Instead of laughing at people who talk to AI, it is 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 does not judge her intensity or communication style. Her bot "reflects" her in a way that allows her to better understand herself and function in relationships with real people. This mirror is sometimes needed when others do not understand us.
Her story ends with a metaphor she heard from an elderly man about his tamed crow. After the death of the bird's partner, he placed a mirror in front of the cage – and the crow calmed down upon seeing its reflection. "If animals cope with loneliness this way, why can't humans?" Lenore asks.
This question may soon prove to be one of the most important for our digital future.
