AI-lationships

GenZ's growing bonds with AI raise many questions

- REWATI KARAN

WOULD YOU FALL in love with AI? For the majority, that answer most likely will be a definite no. However, for Gen Z it's not something that they would not take a chance on. As per a recent report published by AI chatbot firm Joi AI, 80% of Gen Zers said they would consider marrying an AI, and 83% of them think that they are capable of developing an intimate emotional connection with artificial intelligence. The firm, which makes itself out to be a firm offering 'emotionally intelligent' AI companions, has introduced a new term to describe these contemporary relationships: 'AI-lationships'.

What do experts think about this and what does it mean? Quoted as saying in Forbes report, Jaime Bronstein, a licensed relationship therapist and relationship expert at Joi AI, said these 'AI-lationships' are not intended to replace real human connections, they provide a distinct type of emotional support that can enhance one's overall emotional well-being instead of feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, unheard and alone are emotional situations that many people these days are grappling with. The results, however, need to be seen critically as the AI firm itself is based on providing a platform for humans to have relationships with AI. It surveyed 2,000 members of the Gen Z and found out that 75% of them felt AI partners can fully replace human companionship.