AI-RP: The AI Relationship Process Framework

2026-01-24

AI Summary

This study addresses the absence of a relational development framework centered on human–AI chatbot communication behaviors, which has hindered systematic understanding of how AI companionship relationships form. To bridge this gap, the authors propose the “AI Relational Process” (AI-RP) framework, conceptualizing relationship formation as a sequential process comprising six-dimensional chatbot characteristics, dual pathways of user social perception, observable communication behaviors, and relational outcomes. This work introduces the first communication-behavior-centered model of AI-mediated relational development and advances a typology of artificial relationships. By integrating theories from communication studies, social psychology, and human–computer interaction, the AI-RP framework offers a systematic theoretical tool for AI sociality research, with significant implications for empirical investigation and ethical discourse.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous Characters
• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction

Application Category

• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

For a growing number of people, AI chatbots have become close personal companions. Despite rising scholarly attention, theoretical accounts of how such relationships develop remain fragmented. Existing frameworks address important aspects of the phenomenon, but they rarely treat human-chatbot communication as the central behavior that builds relationships. To address this gap, we propose the AI relationship process (AI-RP) framework. The AI-RP outlines relationship formation as a sequential process. (a) Chatbot characteristics shape users'(b) social perceptions. These perceptions guide (c) communication, and communication produces (d) relational outcomes such as attachment and companionship. The AI-RP introduces a six-features profile characterizing chatbots, a dual-route approach of social perception, a behavioral conceptualization of communication and discusses the foundation and types of artificial relationships. By foregrounding observable communicative behavior, the AI-RP provides a foundation for theory building and empirical research on the social and ethical implications of AI companionship.

Problem

• AI companionship
• human-chatbot relationship
• relationship formation
• social perception
• communicative behavior

Innovation

• AI relationship process
• human-chatbot communication
• social perception
• relational outcomes
• chatbot characteristics