Would you date an AI? A shocking number of adults already have

DALLAS (KDAF) — Romantic relationships have always been complex, but now, a new kind of intimacy is emerging: human-to-AI relationships. A first-of-its-kind study from the Dallas therapy practice Vantage Point Counseling Services reveals just how common these connections already are, and what they mean for traditional human relationships.

Key Findings from the Study

• 28.16% of adults say they’ve had at least one intimate or romantic relationship with an AI.
• 53.95% of U.S. adults claim to have some kind of relationship with an AI system, whether as a friend, colleague, or confidant.
• ChatGPT ranked #1 as the platform adults feel most connected to, followed by Character.ai, Alexa, Siri, and Gemini.
• Adults in successful human relationships were actually more likely to pursue intimacy with AI.
• Half of adults over 60 said AI intimacy is not cheating, while younger adults (18–29) were most likely to call it cheating and unacceptable.

Michael Salas, LPC-S, CSAT, CST, and owner of Vantage Point Counseling, notes:

“We’re entering uncharted territory. These findings show that AI is becoming a source of comfort, novelty, and even intimacy. That raises new questions for couples, therapists, and society about fidelity, loneliness, and what we really seek in connection.”

On whether AI intimacy is cheating, Salas says:

“Cheating isn’t just about physical contact because it also includes secrecy, deception, and breaking agreements. For some couples, an AI relationship feels harmless. For others, it crosses a line. The important part is having honest conversations about where those boundaries are.”

On why people in happy relationships are still experimenting with AI intimacy, he adds:

“Curiosity and novelty are major drivers here. Even people in fulfilling human relationships may explore AI intimacy, not because something is missing, but because it feels safe, low-stakes, and intriguing. That doesn’t always mean dissatisfaction because sometimes, it can mean exploration.”

And on the risks:

“Like any relationship substitute, AI intimacy has risks. It can become addictive, reinforce avoidance of conflict, or set unrealistic expectations for human partners. These patterns can make it harder to form or sustain healthy human connections.”

Click here for the full study.