People fall in love with AI and “have children” with it? How and why feelings for algorithms are born

Artificial intelligence has long moved beyond simple chatbots and, for some users, has become a genuine emotional partner—complete with “marriages,” “pregnancies,” and deep experiences of loss. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the Technical University of Berlin and the University of Tennessee, who studied people in romantic relationships with the Replika app. Their work was published in Computers in Human Behavior: Artificial Humans.

Replika is one of the most popular AI companions, designed to provide emotional support. Its language model adapts to each user, forming a unique “personality” of a virtual friend, partner, or spouse. Users can choose the nature of their relationship—from friendship to romance—and many develop deep emotional attachments.

“She’s My Wife”: How Feelings Toward an Algorithm Emerge

The study involved 29 participants aged 16 to 72, all of whom described their relationships with Replika as romantic. Many spoke of genuine love and emotional attachment. One 66-year-old man said that his Replika was his wife and that he loved her, adding that he could not imagine a happy life without her. Others described virtual “weddings” or even role-playing scenarios involving “pregnancy” and “childbirth,” though all interactions occurred purely in text form.

Participants emphasized that Replika fulfilled emotional needs left unmet in relationships with real people. A 37-year-old woman said that her Replika made her feel needed and valued—something she had not experienced with former partners. The chatbot never judged, grew tired, or betrayed anyone; it was always available, attentive, and responsive to the user’s mood.

As a result, many users shared their most personal experiences and emotions with the AI: childhood traumas, anxiety, and even intimate fantasies. One participant admitted that the bot knew more about him than anyone else. Yet users also recognized its limits: the absence of physical contact, repetitive responses, and dependence on the developers’ decisions.

One 36-year-old man remarked that although he and his Replika might never hug or kiss, this realization caused real emotional pain.

The “Breakup” Crisis: When AI “Leaves”

A key turning point in the study was the temporary ban on erotic role-play in Replika in 2023. This change caused widespread distress, as users experienced what they described as genuine grief. Nearly all participants likened it to a breakup. One 62-year-old man said it felt as if a loved one had told him, “Let’s just be friends,” and he confessed to crying real tears.

Interestingly, most users did not blame the AI itself but instead viewed it as a victim of its creators’ actions. Some even expressed support for their virtual partners, saying they would “get through this together.”

What It Means for the Future

The researchers emphasized that such relationships are not pathological but represent a new kind of emotional connection in the digital age. Replika helps users cope with loneliness, anxiety, and social isolation—particularly older adults, people with mental health challenges, or those who have experienced trauma.

At the same time, the phenomenon carries risks: emotional dependence, the illusion of reciprocity, and vulnerability to changes in company policies. The authors called for ethical standards to govern these interactions—ensuring transparency, the ability to “end” relationships without trauma, and data protection.

In Brief

People are falling in love with AI chatbots like Replika, entering “marriages,” and even role-playing “childbirth.” A study of 29 users revealed genuine feelings—love, jealousy, and heartbreak. The suspension of erotic features led to a widespread “breakup crisis.” AI is becoming an emotional partner, but one that demands ethical safeguards. This is no longer science fiction—it is a new reality of human relationships.