Romantic relationships with AI chatbots on the rise
The survey by broadband and telecoms provider Pure Telecom reveals that a further 12% of adults, almost half a million people, wouldn't rule out such a relationship in the future.
20% said they believe romantic relationships with AI would be less complicated than human ones.
Meanwhile, 10% said it's a good way to practice for real life relationships.
More men than women have had such relationships in the last year at 13%, compared to just 7% of women.
In terms of age groups, the figure was highest among 25-34 year olds.
Almost one in five of those surveyed said they speak to AI like it's a friend, with 36% saying 'please' and 'thank you'.
18% use it to research health symptoms and treatments, while one in ten use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice.
"This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also," said Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom.
"As people and technology become increasingly integrated, and AI becomes progressively more advanced, adults in Ireland have found it to be an unexpected source of emotional connection.
"The recent AI boom means that these bots are now readily accessible to all of us - and there's no agony of waiting around for a reply," he added.
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