Relationships are complicated. But a relationship with a chatbot? That's a whole different ball game — one that more and more people are finding themselves in, but which your average relationship coach might not be equipped to help with.
To fill the gap, Amelia Miller, a 29-year-old “human-AI relationship coach,” is using her expertise as an AI researcher and social scientist to help people manage their emotional connections with chatbots.
Since launching the business last summer, she now has over a dozen clients (mostly male tech workers). And as perhaps the only person offering the service, she told CNBC demand is higher than she can handle.
Connection in the AI era
Unlike typical relationship coaches, and despite what you might’ve assumed, Miller’s coaching doesn’t focus on strengthening these bonds (no need for that since, unlike humans, bots tend to be sycophantic and can be programmed to your liking).
Instead, she makes sure her clients are engaging with AI in healthy ways so that it doesn’t inhibit their “capacity to connect with real people.”
She teaches them AI literacy, helps establish personal AI usage guidelines, and has them exercise normal human-to-human social skills.
These relationships also aren’t exclusively romantic: “Whether your chatbot acts as a therapist, assistant, lover or friend, I’m here to help you be intentional about the relationship you want — and how to build it,” Miller’s website states.
- A recent survey found 10% of US adults use chatbots daily, with ~90% using it for personal purposes, like emotional advice.
- Nearly 30% of Americans say they’ve had a romantic relationship with AI, and 25% of young adults think they could replace IRL ones entirely.
- While AI companions can alleviate feelings of loneliness, these artificial relationships can have serious consequences when gone unchecked and their impact on real-world relationships is still unknown.
The future of AI relationships
Miller’s service is still niche, but as AI becomes more enmeshed in our lives, that likely won’t be the case for long. And she isn’t the only resource for people looking to manage their relationships with the tech.
- Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous offers support groups worldwide for people dealing with “compulsive and problematic” AI use.
- There are communities on Facebook and Reddit for people with AI partners, including the subreddit r/MyBoyfriendIsAI, which has 36k members.
- AI has become a common topic in therapy sessions, particularly in Silicon Valley. And, like Miller, some mental health pros are highlighting AI companionship as their area of expertise.
