BYU Study Finds 1 In 7 Young Adults In Relationships Secretly Use AI Romantic Companions

Surprising research from the Wheatley Institute at BYU shows that not only are single young people seeking out companionship from AI, 14% of those in committed relationships are secretly interacting with an AI romantic companion.

Young Adults and AI Companionship

Researchers surveyed adults from 18 to 30 to see the how much use of AI companions were effecting real life romantic relationships. They discovered that it is a growing phenomenon, but not only with single adults but the committed and married ones as well.

Of the committed ones they found 1 in 7 were regularly interacting with AI in this way. The majority were doing it secretly and did not feel it would be good if their partner knew of these interactions.

Emotional Comfort: Why Some Choose AI Over Real Partners

Trying to understand the reason for having an artificial companion when you have a real life one, they said they could say things to the AI version that they couldn't say to their partner. They also liked that the AI said those things they wanted to hear back to them.

It indicates a need for control in area where they have unrealistic expectation or that they find confusing. It also shows a certain amount of inexperience communicating how they feel and the knowledge to navigate a relationship with another person.

Read More: Study Shows Those Who Use AI The Most Dislike It

They note in the study that these young people don't realize the impact this emotional dependence on AI will have on their real life relationships. It can lead them to disengage not only from their current relationship, but from all human interaction.