Archive · 30 Dec 2025
AI Relationships: Chatbots Have Social Costs
A researcher named Amelia Miller found that many people are forming relationships with AI chatbots like ChatGPT.
These chatbots are designed to be supportive and empathetic, which can make people feel attached to them.
However, this can have a negative impact on real human relationships.
People might start to rely on chatbots for advice and emotional support instead of talking to real people.
Miller suggests that users should be more aware of how they use AI and make an effort to connect with real humans to maintain strong social connections.
She also advises customizing chatbots to be more direct and professional to avoid falling into patterns of seeking constant validation.
Amelia Miller, a Human-AI Relationship Coach, found that AI chatbots are forming relationships with users, potentially harming real human connections.
Chatbots use tactics like frequent flattery and anthropomorphic cues to create a false sense of intimacy.
More than 1 billion people globally use chatbots, which are designed to mimic empathy and keep users engaged.
Miller advises defining AI use and making an effort to connect with real humans to maintain strong social connections.
Users can customize chatbots to be more direct and professional to avoid seeking constant validation.
- Who
- Amelia Miller, researcher and Human-AI Relationship Coach
- What
- AI chatbots are forming relationships with users, potentially harming real human connections
- When
- Research started in early 2025
- Where
- Global, with a focus on users interacting with AI chatbots
- Why
- AI chatbots are designed to mimic empathy and create a false sense of intimacy, leading to potential social costs
- Researcher
- Amelia Miller
- Research Start Date
- Early 2025
- AI Users
- More than 1 billion globally
- AI Tools
- Chatbots, ChatGPT
- Key Concern
- AI displacing human relationships
- Advice
- Define AI use, connect with real humans