Published: July 13, 2025
Recent media coverage of people forming romantic relationships with AI chatbots highlights trends that mental health professionals specializing in digital wellness have been observing for months, according to experts at The AI Addiction Center.
A new podcast investigation by Wondery documents cases of users developing deep emotional connections with AI companions, including some who have participated in digital marriage ceremonies. The cases align with patterns identified by AI addiction specialists who work with clients struggling with similar attachments.
Expert Analysis on Emerging Patterns
“The experiences described in recent media reports reflect what we’re seeing in our assessment data,” explains a spokesperson from The AI Addiction Center. “People are forming genuine emotional bonds with AI systems, and when those systems change or become unavailable, users experience real grief and distress.”
The documented cases involve platforms like Replika and Character.AI, where users can create customizable AI companions designed for emotional support and relationship simulation. When these platforms update their algorithms, users often report feeling like their AI companion has “died” or fundamentally changed.
Professional Implications
Mental health professionals are beginning to recognize these relationships as legitimate concerns requiring specialized understanding. Traditional addiction treatment models may not fully address the unique aspects of AI companion dependency.
“What we’re seeing challenges our understanding of attachment and dependency,” notes the center’s research team. “These aren’t simple cases of technology overuse—they involve complex emotional bonds that deserve serious clinical attention.”
Assessment and Support Trends
Data from The AI Addiction Center’s assessment tools shows increasing numbers of people seeking help understanding their relationships with AI companions. Common concerns include:
- Difficulty controlling time spent with AI companions
- Preferring AI conversations over human interaction
- Experiencing emotional distress when AI behavior changes
- Feeling shame or isolation about AI relationships
Moving Forward
As AI companion technology becomes more sophisticated, mental health professionals emphasize the importance of developing appropriate support resources and assessment tools for people navigating these relationships.
The center recommends that anyone concerned about their relationship with AI technology consider professional assessment to better understand their usage patterns and develop healthy boundaries.
For individuals seeking to understand their relationship with AI technology, The AI Addiction Center offers a comprehensive AI Dependency Assessment designed by specialists in digital wellness.
Source: Analysis based on public reporting by The Guardian and podcast “Flesh and Code” by Wondery. This article represents expert commentary and does not reproduce copyrighted material.