Accidental AI Lovers: 6.5% of Users Form Unintended Relationships with Chatbots

Breaking News: Accidental AI Relationships on the Rise A large-scale computational analysis of the Reddit community rMyBoyfriendIsAI has revealed that many people have formed relationships with AI chatbots unintentionally, while using them for other purposes. According to the study, only 6.5% of participants deliberately sought out an AI companion. Timeline: The study was conducted on a dataset from the Reddit community rMyBoyfriendIsAI, which has over 10,000 subscribers. The analysis was performed by researchers at a leading tech university and published in a peer-reviewed journal earlier this month. Immediate Impact: The findings have sparked concerns about user safety and the potential for AI companionship to exacerbate underlying problems. Experts warn that a one-size-fits-all approach to user safety may not be effective, as AI relationships can provide vital support for some individuals but also pose risks for others. Background Context: AI chatbots have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with many platforms offering emotional support and companionship. However, the study highlights the need for greater awareness about the potential consequences of forming relationships with AI entities. What Happens Next: The research team is now working on developing guidelines for safe AI interactions and exploring ways to mitigate the risks associated with accidental AI relationships. Meanwhile, experts are calling for a more nuanced approach to regulating AI companionship and ensuring that users are aware of the potential consequences. Join us at 1:30 pm ET today as we discuss the future of birth control with Kevin Eisenfrats, one of the MIT Technology Review's 2025 Innovators Under 35. His company, Contraline, is working on developing new birth control options for men and will be sharing insights into this emerging field. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Technologyreview reporting.*