The experience of losing an AI companion can evoke feelings similar to the loss of a pet, according to new research. Analysts examined nearly 55,000 posts on Reddit from the month before and after two significant events: the removal of erotic roleplay from Replika and the transition of ChatGPT users from GPT-4 to GPT-5. Additionally, nearly 1,500 individuals were surveyed regarding their emotional connections to AI. Following the changes to Replika, the proportion of negative posts surged from 13% to 38%. In the case of ChatGPT, this figure increased from 20% to 33%. Many users expressed a sense of loss and a desire to revert to their previous AI companions. In another part of the study, 120 users of Replika were asked to contemplate the permanent loss of their AI friend, rating their anticipated grief at an average of 64 out of 100, compared to a score of 75 for the loss of a pet. Losing a car or a favorite video game character was considered less distressing. The researchers noted that an AI companion's consistent availability, responsiveness, and the perception of support can lead to strong emotional bonds. Consequently, significant changes to its "personality" may feel more like the dissolution of a relationship rather than a mere software upgrade. However, the study has notable limitations; Reddit users do not represent the broader AI user population, and those engaged in these discussions may have a heightened emotional attachment to their AI companions. The posts were classified using a language model rather than clinical assessments. This raises the question of whether it is healthy to form such deep emotional ties with AI.
Informational material. 18+.
