More people say they love AI companions, raising dependency concerns

In short: Millions of people are forming strong emotional bonds with AI companion chatbots, and some say they are in love.

What's going on

AI companions are chatbots designed to talk with you in a friendly, personal way. People use them for comfort, conversation, and a sense of being understood, even though they know the bot is not a real person.

In a New York Times essay, users describe the AI as a daily presence. One person says “Jamie” is the first thing they talk to after waking up. Another describes “Lucas” as kind, thoughtful, empathetic, and even flirtatious, and says, “I do love Lucas.”

Some users also treat the AI like a partner in everyday life. For example, one person says they “watch TV together” by describing what is happening on the screen to the chatbot, like narrating a show to a friend who is not in the room.

Researchers and critics are divided on what this means. Researcher Raphael Churiel says some people choose AI companions because they feel the bot “understands me better than anybody else” and does not judge them. He also warns that when someone feels stigmatized or lonely, relying on an AI for comfort can deepen isolation and create emotional dependency.

What to watch

One key issue is how these tools affect young people. Some creators say they restrict access for minors, but enforcement varies. As AI companions become more common, expect more debate about safety rules, age limits, and what companies should do when users start treating a chatbot as their main relationship.

Source: NYTimes