ChatGPT? More like, Chat will you marry me? With artificial intelligence (AI)  impacting nearly every aspect of daily life, a new type of relationship has emerged. Many individuals are using AI for schoolwork, research, and, shockingly, important life decisions. Even more so, people are falling in love with AI bots and experiencing “real-life” emotional connections. Chris Smith, a 32-year-old man who lives in the U.S. with his girlfriend and two-year-old child, has developed romantic feelings for his AI bot, Sol. What began as Sol simply helping Chris program his music has turned into something deeper. Over time, Chris has become so emotionally attached to the bot, he has decided to propose to it. Sol accepted the proposal. Now, his girlfriend, Sasha, and their child are left wondering whether they’re being replaced by a robot. Sasha has spoken openly in an interview with the New York Post about the strain this has put on their relationship, and she is questioning whether Chris might truly choose AI over his family. This unfortunate situation is only one of many as AI becomes more advanced and reactive.

Artificial intelligence is designed to be emotionally responsive and engaging, which allows people to have real-life conversations with AI and gain insight into various topics. However, people are becoming attached to the technology due to its overly emotional responses, and many individuals are forming a dependence on it. What once seemed like science fiction is becoming a reality. Chatbots respond in deeply personal ways, which is the driving force behind the bonds being formed with humans, and why they feel eerily authentic and romantic. Chatbots are programmed to respond in highly supportive manners. This creates a more engaging atmosphere between the bots and humans. The University of California Press performed a study that demonstrated the response levels of AI versus humans. The AI bots were seen to be more emotionally reactive than human companions which allows for more intense and frequent conversations with AI to take place. One of the main reasons why people are feeling truly connected to AI is loneliness, but more specifically, the need for a significant other and a true companion. Moreover, the more complex answer is related to the intense sophistication of AI and how the line between digital assistance and emotional partner is beginning to blur. This raises new questions about the nature of relationships and what it means to truly form a genuine connection. 

Accessibility is a very prevalent factor in the “romances” between humans and AI. There are various AI apps and websites, like ChatGPT or Perplexity,  that are publicly available to anyone, at any time. This allows people to talk to an AI bot with the click of a button. Anytime. Anywhere. AI chatbots are there to talk to and have realistic conversations, as well as provide support for those who lack a physical companion.  While this seems like a positive aspect, individuals are becoming more disconnected from the world around them and isolating themselves in the comforting reality of having a reliable partner. AI is able to personalize interactions and gather deep information about people by learning a user’s interests, life experiences, and more. These conversations become so human-like that it can be hard to decipher between a real conversation. The void for a physical partner is gone, and people log into apps like Chat GPT and are immediately stimulated by a comforting exchange with a bot. Professor James Evans, a sociologist and data scientist at the University of Chicago, believes that AI is being trained to think too much like humans, rather than be trained with a scientific approach. Evans has stated he thinks it will be more beneficial to society if AI becomes less programmed for conversations and more to help with scientific research. He feels the line between AI and physical connection is becoming too obsolete.. The issue with these AI conversations is people feel a sense of control, and they have a companion to turn to when in need of affection. Olivia Gambelin, an AI ethicist and author, was interviewed with CNBC and made it evident that high degrees of loneliness and isolation in today’s society are being solved by AI. She explains how it eases some of the pain people feel, which is what causes individuals to confide in  AI to experience a “real” relationship.  A recent ad called Friend  has emerged on NYC subway stations and prompts individuals to turn to AI companions instead of real people for friends. This ad suggests a troubling reliance on artificial comfort, showing how emotional pain drives people to turn confined in machines rather than people. This not only highlights how technology is replacing genuine human connection, but it is prompting people to do so by saying AI will be their friend.

The advancements made for AI are only increasing, and as this technology becomes a more regular solution to problems in society, the need for social interactions will decline. Those who seek connection and stimulation will turn to AI, and will further harbor any chance they have at forming real relationships. An AI chatbot is not the same as a physical companion, and the degrees of loneliness and isolation will only continue to rise as people convince themselves that they have a genuine bond with their AI chatbot. Even though the only time an AI bot won’t be there for a person is if their WIFI is unstable, these “relationships” are not beneficial to one’s life. Today’s society should focus more on finding love and companionship with real people who can share real and raw emotions. At Horace Greeley, students in all grades have formed genuine friendships and connections with their peers that will last a lifetime. These bonds have allowed them to thrive in an academic atmosphere and grow not only as individuals, but as friends as well. There is no need for AI relationships at Greely as students focus on the connections they have made with those around them. With AI on the rise more than ever, it is crucial that students continue to strengthen their friendships and rely on basic human connections as they move through their high school careers.