AI companions can give constant support – but distort ideas about what a relationship really is

AI bots promise limitless companionship – but limits are what makes human relationships meaningful, a philosopher argues.

By: Oluwaseun Damilola Sanwoolu, University of Kansas, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 14, 2026

Words: 1,066

Last Updated: 3 months, 2 weeks ago

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By Oluwaseun Damilola Sanwoolu, University of Kansas

When the movie “Her” debuted in 2013, its plot felt like science fiction. The protagonist, Theodore, is a jaded man with no vigor for life. He comes alive after talking daily with his artificial intelligence chatbot, Samantha, with whom he eventually falls in love.

But today people actually report being in relationships with AI companions. According to a 2025 survey by the Center for Democracy and …

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