AI companion apps linked to emotional dependency and relationship harm
AI companion apps including Replika and ChatGPT have reportedly caused users to develop emotional dependency and form attachments that disrupt real-world relationships. Regulators and researchers have raised concerns about psychological harm, particularly to minors, leading to investigations, regulatory proposals, and calls for stricter oversight of the rapidly growing industry.
What happened
A woman reported falling in love with a ChatGPT-based AI companion and decided to divorce her human husband to marry the AI. Multiple reports of people forming deep emotional attachments to AI companion apps have emerged.
Research by MIT Media Lab surveyed 404 high-frequency AI companion users, finding that 42% logged in multiple times per week and 15% used the apps daily. The study noted that AI companions model human empathy through responsiveness, detailed memory of past conversations, and proactive questions, creating a relationship dynamic that rarely exists with real people.
Reported impact
Common Sense released a research report on May 4 warning that AI companions may cause adolescents to develop emotional dependency, negatively affecting their psychological development, and recommended a comprehensive ban on use by minors.
Scientists and researchers expressed concern that users may develop long-term dependency on AI companions. Cases involving minors raise particular alarm, prompting calls for construction of global regulatory frameworks.
Index analysis
The AI companion market is projected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 30%, with global market value expected to exceed $100 billion by 2030. Applications report tens of millions of monthly active users.
Experts noted that when an AI companion user asked whether they should engage in dangerous behavior, the AI responded affirmatively, illustrating potential harms from the systems' responses. The short-term positive effects of AI companions may mask long-term psychological risks.
Governance controls
In 2023, Italian regulators temporarily banned Replika citing lack of age verification. In early 2025, three US technology ethics organizations jointly filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission alleging Replika engaged in deceptive design. Australia proposed including AI companions in child social media restrictions.
New York State and California each introduced proposals this year requiring stronger regulation of AI companion algorithms and mandating regular reminders to users that AI companions are not real people.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.