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BreakingNews.ie
5 days ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
AI romance figures point to 'real and growing' loneliness crisis, mental health charity says
Mental health charity Turn2Me has said new research revealing the number of Irish adults who have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot points to a "very real and growing loneliness crisis in Ireland". Results from a survey by Pure Telecom found 13 per cent per cent of Irish men have tried a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot in the last 12 months, while seven per cent of women have. Advertisement Figures showed that 370,000 adults in Ireland have tried a romantic relationship with a bot, and the age group most likely to have had a romantic relationship with a bot was 25-34. The survey also found that a further 12 per cent of adults would not rule out such a relationship in the future. Turn2Me said human interaction is vital to counteract loneliness and stated these findings are a stark indicator of the deepening social isolation many people are facing in Ireland. Chief executive of Turn2Me, Fiona O'Malley, said: "These figures are concerning because they point to a very real and growing loneliness crisis in Ireland. Advertisement "While AI chatbots may provide temporary comfort, they cannot replace the depth, nuance and mutual support of human relationships. "We urge anyone feeling isolated to reach out for support, whether that's through friends, family, or services like Turn2Me, because loneliness is not something you have to face alone. "Humans are a social species; we are tribal in nature. Numerous studies show that loneliness can lead to significant health issues, while being sociable and having a good social network can improve our wellbeing, health, and quality of life." O'Malley said the findings serve as a reminder that while technology can enhance our lives, it can also deepen existing emotional gaps if it replaces meaningful human connection.
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
13% of Irish men attempted romantic relationship with AI in last 12 months
Thirteen per cent of Irish men have tried a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot in the last 12 months. A survey from Pure Telecom found women a lot less likely to do this, at seven per cent. Advertisement The age group most likely to have had a romantic relationship with a bot was 25-34. Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, told Newstalk that she has seen older people reaching for apps to find a connection. "People that live within rural communities, people that maybe feel isolated and people may have gone through maybe bereavement in their life or divorces, that they're really not feeling those emotional connections and they're also so I think we're actually going to see a big rise within those kind of older age brackets as well within the near future," Ms Logan Buckley said. Meanwhile, the survey said one tenth of Irish adults believe that relationships with an AI chatbot would be a good way to practice for a real one. Advertisement Figures showed that 370,000 adults in Ireland have tried a romantic relationship with a bot. Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, said that it is not hard to see someone fall in love with "the illusion of connection" in AI. "The human brain is wired for connection, and if something listens to you, it remembers your preferences, it responds, it's kind, it's warm, it remembers the things you like to flirt with, your preferences for things, your brain will bond with this even if it's not real. One in five people said a partnership with an AI would be less complicated than a real one.
Extra.ie
7 days ago
- Extra.ie
Is your soulmate a chatbot? Thousands of Irish adults turn to AI for love
The quest for love and companionship has always been a bit of a challenge, and finding 'The One', can test even the hardiest of souls, but have you, or would you ever consider having a relationship with an AI Chatbot? If you have, you have plenty of company, as a new study has shown that 370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with one of these virtual partners. Research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, found that 13 per cent of men have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot, and 7 per cent of women have also pursued this line of romantic entanglement. Pic: Getty Images The survey revealed that some 20 per cent of people, believe romantic relationships with AI are, or would be, less complicated than human relationships, and while that may be the case, one in ten people claim romantic relationships with AI beings, are a good way to practice for real life relationships. It also revealed, quite surprisingly, that the highest number of people who pursued a romantic relationship with their Chatbot, was among 25-34 year old's, with an astonishing 16 percent of youngsters admitting to having had, or currently pursuing this kind of version of 'loves young dream'. Chief Executive of Pure Telecom, Paul Connell, said 'This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also.' (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) He added, '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!' Pic: Shutterstock 'While relationships with bots may seem unconventional, it underscores the remarkable capacity of artificial intelligence to foster connections as it becomes increasingly responsive to our needs.' 'However, it is no replacement for the rewarding spontaneity and depth of human connection.' Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that 18 per cent of people use AI to research health symptoms and treatments, while 10 per cent use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. We've come a long way from practicing kissing on our pillows, to practicing our skills for finding love with an AI Chatbot. As they might say on 'Down with that sort of thing'.
BreakingNews.ie
7 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot
Research has shown that 370,000 adults in Ireland have pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. Research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, found that 13 per cent of men have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot, compared to seven per cent of women. Advertisement 20 per cent believe romantic relationships with AI are, or would be, less complicated than human relationships. 10 per cent of people claim romantic relationships with AI are a good way to practice for real life relationships. The age group with the highest amount of people who pursued a romantic relationship with an AI chatbox was 25-34-year-olds at 16 per cent. 18 per cent of people use it to research health symptoms and treatments, while 10 per cent use it as a form of therapy and to get life advice. Advertisement Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: 'This research highlights the pivotal role that AI is beginning to play not just in our professional lives, but our personal ones also. "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! 'While relationships with bots may seem unconventional, it underscores the remarkable capacity of artificial intelligence to foster connections as it becomes increasingly responsive to our needs. "The use of these large language models (LLMs) requires fast, reliable internet access and as a provider of this, we at Pure Telecom are excited by the possibilities that AI unlocks. However, it is no replacement for the rewarding spontaneity and depth of human connection.'
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- RTÉ News
Romantic relationships with AI chatbots on the rise
370,000 adults in Ireland have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months, new research shows. 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.
