Study Finds 1 in 7 Coupled Young Adults Use AI Companions, With 69% Hiding Extent
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 29
Study Finds 1 in 7 Coupled Young Adults Use AI Companions, With 69% Hiding Extent
4 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 29
More than 50% of young adults in committed relationships who use romantic AI bots partly or wholly conceal that use from partners, and 69% say it is somewhat or extremely important their partners not know the extent.
The same Institute for Family Studies and Wheatley Institute research found 1 in 7 coupled young adults regularly interact with romantic AI companions, while 20% to 30% have tried one at least once.
Men were only slightly more likely than women to use the bots, suggesting the behavior is not confined to one sex among those seriously dating, engaged or married.
The opinion article argues the pattern echoes online pornography: early exposure, highly customizable fantasy and secrecy around use.
The report also links regular romantic-bot use to a 46% lower likelihood of being in a stable relationship, underscoring concerns about wider effects on dating and intimacy.
As 1 in 7 young adults in relationships use AI companions, what are they finding that their human partners cannot provide?
When an AI offers a 'perfect' partner, are we training ourselves to become incapable of real human love and connection?