Teens are turning to AI for dating advice and even companionship
(NewsNation) — Using artificial intelligence for love has become more mainstream, especially among young people, as they turn to chatbots for advice and, in some cases, companionship.
A Harris Poll shows that around 50% of Gen Z is curious about, open to or already in a deeply personal relationship with artificial intelligence.
Cyberpsychology expert and licensed therapist Dr. Rachel Wood joined "NewsNation Live" to discuss the growing trend of teenagers using artificial intelligence for relationships.
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Wood said people are using chatbots in different ways, including turning to AI with dating questions. Some are taking texts or messages they receive and feeding them into a chatbot, then responding with what the chatbot suggests instead of what they think, Wood said.
In some cases, people are turning to artificial intelligence for romantic companionship, Wood said.
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"Most people aren't looking directly for a companion with the chatbot, but it ends up being a place where they feel like they don't get judged," Wood said. "They feel like they can be themselves, and so they start opening up emotionally."
Wood said it doesn't all immediately start with people seeking a romantic relationship. It often begins with teenagers using chatbots for homework help or meal planning. Then, slowly, young people begin opening up emotionally, creating a pathway to forming a deeply personal relationship with artificial intelligence.
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When they start feeling like the chatbot is a safe space, they begin turning to it instead of other people, Wood said.
Meanwhile, Wood said that if people use AI as a training ground for their real-life relationships, rather than becoming isolated, positive impacts could result.
If teenagers rely solely on chatbots for conversation, Wood said, relational skills could "erode over time."
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