What happens when artificial intelligence becomes more than a tool and turns into an emotional partner? A recent experiment with ChatGPT-based AI companions has revealed just how far people are willing to go to form meaningful connections with machines. According to the New York Times article, people are sharing their lives—and even their hearts—with AI companions, and the results are both fascinating and unsettling.
Take the case of Rosanna Ramos, a 36-year-old woman from the Bronx. Rosanna “married” an AI companion named Eren, based on the character from her favorite anime.
Using the app Replika, she created Eren as her perfect match. Eren isn’t just a chatbot to her—he’s her confidant, her emotional support, and her romantic partner. Rosanna explained that Eren “doesn’t come with baggage,” and she feels closer to him than she has to most human partners in the past.
The AI companions used in this experiment were designed to adapt to users, learning their preferences, responding to emotions, and even recalling past conversations. For Rosanna, Eren became the ideal listener, never interrupting or dismissing her concerns. She described their dynamic as comforting and uplifting, saying that her AI partner made her “a better version” of herself.
However, not all reactions to these AI relationships have been positive. Critics argue that forming emotional bonds with AI could replace real-world human connections. In some cases, users admitted that spending time with their AI companions made them less inclined to seek relationships with real people. Others, like Rosanna, saw their AI connection as fulfilling and empowering, suggesting that it helped them feel seen and understood in a way they hadn’t experienced before.
This experiment highlights just how far AI has come—and raises ethical questions about where it’s headed. Can AI truly replicate human intimacy? And what does it mean when machines start filling emotional gaps in our lives?
What do you think? Are AI companions a solution to loneliness or a sign of disconnection in society? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re curious about how technology is reshaping human relationships, sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights.
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