Half of us would consider dating an AI chatbot over a real person, but sex and relationship’s expert Jessica Leoni says it shouldn’t count as “cheating”. AI is creeping into all aspects of our lives - from Google’s AI messaging to Chatbots like Chat:GPT. The technology is now turning the world of relationships and cheating on its head with apps such as Replika.
A recent report revealed a Brit married his chatbot after his marriage fell apart, while a woman from South London turned to Chat:GPT to decide whether to leave her husband or not after her affair. New research from Illicitencounters.com has revealed 74% of Brits believe spending time with an AI Bot instead of your partner shouldn’t count as cheating.
The website for marital affairs asked 2,000 of its members its views on AI and cheating - and 49% admitted that they themselves would consider having an AI affair over a real person, while 12% said they’d already tried it.
Jessica said: "Like all aspects of life, AI is presenting serious opportunities and threats when it comes to relationships and cheating. The fundamental question is, should playing away with an AI Bot be viewed on the same terms as a real-life affair?
"If you’re concerned that your partner might be turning to AI outside of your relationship, it’s important to look at the root cause - just like you would with a normal affair. The most prominent reason our members join Illicitencounters.com is because of a breakdown in communication with their partner - and seek an affair as a result.
"What we’re seeing is people turn to AI Bots as sort of relationship therapy, a chance to unload and rant and rave without burdening a real human and not being judged. If it develops into sexting and more explicit conversations, then partners who feel cheated should remember this is AI and not a real person. Our research shows members share a similar attitude. Developing a relationship with an AI Bot for sexual gratification is more akin to watching porn than a full-blown affair.
"That said, it will still be hurtful to your partner and just like you’d analyse why a real affair happened, couples need to look at what drove them to this point. A recent poll we ran revealed 70% of members believe having an affair (in real life) actually improved their marriage and AI Bots could become part of a toolkit for people to overcome challenges in their relationship. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this plays out. "
