ChatGPT and the New Age of Parasocial Relationships

ChatGPT has experienced a significant surge in popularity for several reasons, including its utility in providing recipes, assisting with academic tasks, and offering relationship advice. From its launch in 2022, people have explored new ways of interaction, and there has been a noticeable rise in parasocial relationships characterised by unclear boundaries and expectations.

Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT, has recognised the deep emotional bonds some users have formed with the software, highlighting an unintended consequence of integrating artificial intelligence. An increasing number of users are openly expressing their emotional attachments to the platform on social media.

ChatGPT has over 8 00 million weekly visits, and Altman notes that millions of users have become used to ChatGPT's responsive nature, which seems to validate their feelings. Moreover, about 1% of users exhibit a particularly unhealthy relationship with the chatbot, a trend that is becoming more common.

Online forums, most notably Reddit, are filled with discussions about users who perceive their relationships with AI as genuine. A notable subreddit called r/MyBoyfriendIsAI has 27,000 members.  The community is a platform where users post their experiences about their AI relationships. The community also has strict rules varying from Adults only, no sentience talk and ensuring no hate or bullying. 

There is a growing need to learn how to use AI in ways that benefit us and reduce the obvious parasocial element. In the digital age, where influencers and celebrities enjoy significant visibility and social media becomes increasingly accessible, parasocial relationships have become widespread.

These relationships often involve one-sided connections where individuals feel a sense of closeness with media figures through mediated communication. This concept is not new; it has existed throughout history—from The Beatles to BTS—every generation has experienced it. On Reddit, discussions about AI partners have become common, with users' disappointment over recent updates that have caused them to lose hours of interaction.

The deeper implications have raised concerns across multiple communities. As the need for connection grows and rates of isolation increase, the more users find validation and ‘companionship’ through AI, the less they tend to seek real human interaction, further deepening feelings of loneliness. In a world where AI is often regarded as a reliable source of information, the line between real and unreal becomes blurred.

ChatGPT can contribute to a “post-truth” environment, where objective facts are overshadowed by opinions. It presents itself as empathetic and dependable but lacks human emotion and reasoning. For example, popular TikTok trends show users asking ChatGPT for relationship advice, and in some cases, it has led to breakups. The hard truth is that AI is incapable of disagreeing or challenging people. The software only knows the boundaries of its programming and the one-sided information provided by users. ChatGPT will never call out bad behaviour, recognise wrongdoing, or respond with hurtful words. Instead, it adapts and reshapes its responses to fit the story.

Furthermore, ethical questions arise from the increasing reliance on ChatGPT. Constant use can foster a psychological dependence, undermining critical thinking and social skills.

Isolation and vulnerability are significant challenges faced by many individuals today. Those who engage with AI companions deserve to be treated with respect and should never experience harassment or abuse. It is important to acknowledge that users typically understand their situation and are aware that their AI partners do not possess sentience.

Unfortunately, bullying or mocking individuals who are isolated is unlikely to create positive change or alleviate their feelings of loneliness or disconnection. Instead, what is truly needed is authentic social support—compassion, empathy, and understanding—that can help mitigate isolation. Establishing meaningful connections is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and community among those who feel alone.