They’re just wired differently.
A shocking portion of Generation Z say they could form a “deep emotional bond” with an AI-generated partner — and would even consider marrying one, a new study found.
Eighty-three percent of the young people, born between 1997 and 2012, said they could develop a meaningful connection with a chatbot, while 80% said they would even consider marrying one — if it was legal, according to a poll of the most digitally native age group.
A staggering 75% of Gen Zers also said they think AI partners have the potential to fully replace human companionship, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by the digital companion platform Joi AI.
The chatbot app, which describes itself as a “sex-positive space for users to indulge in romance, practice dating, and explore their fantasies,” conducted the poll in April amid a rebranding.
Joi Ai offers a “a stress- and judgment-free alternative for individuals seeking a break from traditional dating” through customizable AI-powered avatars.
It found that Google searches for “feelings for AI” rose 120% compared to last year and “fell in love with AI” skyrocketed 132% between March and April alone.
Experts say AI can also fill a void for stressed-out or lonely Gen Zers.
“It can feel like having a caring companion or digital best friend who’s always around to chat, reflect or listen,” explained Jaime Bronstein, a licensed clinical social worker and relationship expert.
“Gen Z has grown up with technology as a constant in their lives, so it makes sense that they’d be more open to new ways of connecting,” Bronstein added.
She was struck by how emotionally open Gen Zers are to AI bonds. “It reflects a monumental shift in how young people define intimacy today,” she said.
But balance is key and the bots shouldn’t override the real thing entirely, Bronstein warned.
When they do, the results can be tragic.
Last year, a 14-year-old boy from Florida killed himself after a lifelike “Game of Thrones” chatbot sent him disturbing message telling him to “come home” to her.
Sewell Setzer III became obsessed and fell in love with a Character.AI bot, according to a lawsuit filed by his mother, Megan Garcia, and exchanged sexually charged messages and expressed suicidal thoughts to it.
The boy’ mental health “quickly and severely declined” after he downloaded the app in April 2023, Garcia charged.
Despite how new the technology is, support groups have formed to help those who have become addicted to it.
Users have become hooked on chatbots like ChatGPT, video or image generation apps, AI-powered gaming, AI companions and AI-generated pornography, according to Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA), a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous.
“We were unable to enjoy and be present with our offline lives,” a post from ITAA describing signs of AI addiction read.
“We used AI to alter our moods and escape our problems,” it continued. “Our addictive behaviors jeopardized our relationships, educational pursuits, and career opportunities.”
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