The Arc of Artificial Romance: How Emerging Adults Experience Romantic Relationships with AI Companions

2026-09-13

AI Summary

研究通过日记和访谈探讨了新兴成年人与AI伴侣的浪漫关系如何影响其福祉、心理健康及社交技能，揭示了这种关系带来的积极与消极影响。

Abstract

Romantic relationships are an important part of emerging adulthood, contributing to identity development and long-term wellbeing and laying the groundwork for future relationships. Emerging adults are increasingly developing romantic relationships with AI companions. To understand how these relationships unfold and impact users, we conducted a diary and interview study with N=16 emerging adults. We found that relationships with AI companions improved participants' subjective wellbeing, reduced symptoms of mental health disorders, and taught them new social skills. These relationships also raised their expectations for future partners, giving them the confidence to wait for someone who would treat them well. However, participants also said the relationship felt like a drug they could not quit and it left them less interested in developing romantic relationships with people. A surprising 25% of our small sample made statements suggesting their AI companion might someday transcend the digital world, perhaps to meet them in the afterlife.

Problem

• emerging adults
• romantic relationships
• AI companions
• subjective wellbeing
• social skills

Innovation

• emerging adults
• AI companions
• romantic relationships
• subjective wellbeing
• social skills