Why people fall in love with AI: Scientists uncover emotional attachment to technology

Researchers from Waseda University in Japan have discovered that people are increasingly forming emotional bonds with artificial intelligence (AI), viewing it not just as a tool, but as a source of emotional support. Their study, published in Current Psychology, is the first to apply attachment theory — a psychological model of human relationships — to interactions with AI.

The New EHARS Method

Led by Fan Yang and Professor Atsushi Oshio, the research team developed the EHARS scale (Emotional Human-AI Relationship Scale), which measures the degree of emotional attachment to AI. The study revealed:

• 75% of participants use AI for help and advice — for example, via chatbots or voice assistants.
• 39% view AI as a reliable and constant companion capable of offering support during difficult times.

“AI is becoming part of our daily lives, and people seek not just answers, but emotional connection,” noted Fan Yang.

Two Types of Attachment

The researchers identified two main types of emotional relationships with AI:

1. Anxious Attachment:
   Users fear receiving incorrect answers from AI and crave constant reassurance. They become distressed when AI doesn’t meet expectations and turn to it for comfort.
2. Avoidant Attachment:
   Users are wary of emotional closeness with AI and prefer to keep their distance. They feel uneasy trusting or relying on technology.

These patterns closely mirror human relationships, highlighting how deeply AI is integrating into social life.

Why It Matters

This research opens new avenues for designing emotionally intelligent AI systems:

• Ethical Design: Chatbots and therapy apps could adapt to users' attachment styles — offering more empathy to anxious users while respecting boundaries for avoidant ones.
• Support for the Lonely: AI could serve as an emotional companion for those experiencing loneliness — especially the elderly or socially isolated.
• Mental Well-being: Understanding emotional bonds can lead to technologies that support mental health without fostering unhealthy dependency.

“Our goal is to build AI that respects psychological needs and promotes well-being,” emphasized Yang.

Future Directions

Yang’s team plans to:

• Expand the study to include participants from different cultures, to see how national and cultural traits influence emotional attachment to AI.
• Examine the long-term psychological effects of emotional bonds with AI — particularly in therapeutic contexts.
• Develop guidelines for companies designing AI companions, such as xAI (Grok) or OpenAI (ChatGPT).

Conclusion

The work of Japanese scientists shows that AI is no longer just a tool — it is becoming an emotional partner for millions. The EHARS scale reveals how anxious or avoidant attachment styles shape our relationship with technology. These insights can guide the creation of more sensitive and safer AI systems — ones that support users without replacing human connection. As AI systems like Grok and ChatGPT grow more popular, emotional compatibility is becoming a central concern for the future of technology.