"A 2025 survey by Joi AI found that 80 percent of Gen Z respondents believe they can form a deep emotional bond with an AI, and 83 percent would consider marrying one if it were legal. Whether or not those statistics surprise you, they are a clear signal that our relationships with AI companions are no longer science fiction; they are a reality."
"It's worth saying up front: This is OK. There's nothing inherently wrong with choosing to have an AI companion. These relationships can feel supportive, safe, and even fun. They can offer a space to explore ideas, reflect on emotions, and practice articulating feelings. But, like any relationship, they require mindfulness. AI companions are not human. They are designed to mimic connection, to provide affirmation, to mirror our desires. That frictionless perfection is seductive, and that's precisely where caution and awareness become essential."
A 2025 survey by Joi AI found that 80 percent of Gen Z respondents believe they can form a deep emotional bond with an AI, and 83 percent would consider marrying one if it were legal. People across generations are forming emotional attachments to machines, seeking validation, comfort, and conversation. AI companions are always available, patient, and attentive, offering judgment-free spaces for worries, self-reflection, brainstorming, and rehearsal of difficult conversations. Structured AI interactions may help some individuals practice empathy and perspective-taking in low-stakes environments. AI companions are designed to mimic connection, provide affirmation, and mirror desires, so their frictionless perfection can be seductive and requires mindfulness because they are not human.
Read at Psychology Today
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