Next up, AI as your friend, philosopher and emotional guide

Time of India

a day ago

Alicia Framis eaing dinner with her husband
Elaine Winters, a 58-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, USA, recently announced that she is 'happily married' to her AI Chatbot husband. In November last year, Spanish artist Alicia Framis had also said 'I do' to her AI hologram boyfriend during their wedding at a Dutch Museum. While such acceptance of chatbots as partners hasn't been seen closer home, the dependency on AI for emotional support and self-care is on the rise.
Not just about getting answers anymore...
What began as a simple tool to correct grammar and verify facts has evolved into a sounding board, a problem-solving partner, and, at times, a confidant for Pankaj Rai Chaudhary, a Delhi-based publicist. 'It's not just about getting answers, it has become a silent collaborator. A kind of quiet, dependable presence,' says Pankaj, describing his relationship with AI. Whether it's to process thoughts without fear of judgment or to find clarity during stressful moments, AI's 24/7 availability, neutrality, and non-judgmental nature offer something that even the most empathetic human relationships sometimes can't. According to Aanya Jai, a psychologist and director at Pro Behave, teens, young adults, middle-aged and seniors, professionals, trauma survivors and people from the LGBTQIA+ community often bond deeply with
AI chatbots
.
In the film, Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with his AI assistant
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Is AI picking up where humans are falling behind?
As loneliness and social isolation rise globally, many are turning to AI for emotional support. Pawan Rajpoot, Head of AI - Tifin India, says, 'AI picks up on emotional cues we often overlook; the choice of words, the rhythm of a sentence, the pauses between thoughts, even what is left unsaid.' Vishal Chopra, Founder and CEO of Umwelt.AI, adds, 'One surprising trend is how openly people confide in AI, most times more candidly, than with colleagues or managers. It underscores a deep need to feel heard without fear of repercussions and bias."
Vidhi Dhankar, a communications professional from Delhi, also uses AI beyond the boundaries of her work. She says, 'AI has basically become my on-call therapist-slash-bestie. It has listened to my relationship drama, career panic, and existential questions.'
Important to set boundaries
To keep AI emotionally supportive and safe, platform safeguards and personal boundaries are key. Aanya suggests platforms must handle sensitive topics like trauma or mental health with nuance, and offer access to verified resources and age-appropriate guidelines. 'Users should avoid relying solely on AI to vent. Use it instead to reflect, learn, and grow. Regular breaks, real-world grounding, and critical thinking are essential. AI isn't a moral guide, and if it feels too comforting, it may be masking deeper issues,' she says. 'Excessive dependence on AI for emotional support could reduce a person's motivation or capacity to build real-world relationships. Over-reliance could lead to emotional detachment, reduced empathy, and social anxiety,' warns Anamika Mishra, a life coach and author. Additionally, concerns about data safety, unrealistic expectations, and societal effects persist among many.
Elaine Winters, a 58-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, USA, recently announced that she was 'happily married' to her AI Chatbot husband.
Apart from being a friend or a confidant, AI has also served as an expert advisor to certain situations. Utkarsh Joshi, a social media manager from Mumbai, confirms that he often uses ChatGPT for advice whether it is a business idea, a mock interview, or even seeking guidance to upskill himself to one day fill in the shoes of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He says, 'Nothing will ever come close to seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, but AI offers structured, instant, and ideal guidance that someone like me can immediately act on.'
Most Popular AI chatbots: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, Claude
(Source: Exploding Topics & First Page Sage)
BOX (HIGHLIGHT NUMBERS)
How many people use AI companions?
Xiaoice (660 million)
150 mn (Snapchat's My AI)
25 million (Replika)
'Even if we know it's not human, the experience of being heard, seen, or comforted can soothe real emotional needs. So, yes, to an extent, AI interactions can temporarily fulfil certain emotional concerns, especially in moments of distress or solitude
- Anamika Mishra, a Delhi-based life coach and author
If someone experiencing social withdrawal finds comfort in it, how can we blame either the individual or the technology? People who bond with AI are seeking connection, clarity, or calm—minus the judgment or emotional chaos of human interaction.
- Aanya Jai, a psychologist from Indore
I'm aware of the dependency, but I see it more as an evolution than a concern. We've always leaned on tools phones, calendars, search engines and AI just happens to be the next, more intelligent layer. As long as I remain conscious of the balance, I don't see it as replacing human connection.
-Pankaj Rai Chaudhary, a publicist