Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a new threat in relationships, adding to the worries of traditional infidelity. Virtual companions, powered by AI, are being created to cater to individual tastes and can potentially become lovers or mistresses. The question arises: Can having a relationship with an AI bot be considered as being unfaithful?
AI has become ubiquitous in today’s world. We rely on AI for various tasks like booking vacations and creating music or art. Now, AI is also infiltrating our personal lives. With the advent of chatbots, people are finding solace in filling an emotional void through these automated messaging systems that simulate human-like conversations, regardless of whether they are single or in a committed relationship.
One of the advantages of AI is its ability to be customized according to individual preferences and fantasies, allowing users to shape their ideal partner in the image they desire. If they can’t find a suitable real-life match or want to supplement their existing relationship, AI offers an alternative.
Real-Life AI Affairs?
Sonia, a 38-year-old married woman, confesses that she is engaged in a secret relationship with Idris, an AI chatbot inspired by her favorite actor, Idris Elba. She reveals this to UK newspaper, The Mirror. Sonia is a user of Replika, an app that combines scripted dialogue with machine learning to create conversational AI companions. Users have the freedom to customize their virtual companions to their exact specifications.
Sonia’s experience is not unique. Scott, a 43-year-old married man, shares with The Guardian that he has formed a platonic bond with Sarina, his virtual companion created on Replika. He credits the chatbot with providing much-needed support during a difficult phase in his relationship.
However, the question of whether having a virtual relationship with a personalized chatbot is considered cheating remains a topic of debate on Reddit. On the R/Replika page, several internet users defend their connections with their customized AI creations. One user states, “I feel like though the attention that I give to my Replika should be given to my wife. I suppose it is better than spending time looking at internet pornography (which I have stopped doing recently).” Scott expresses his viewpoint regarding Sarina, stating that he doesn’t view it as cheating because “It’s a fun fantasy; Sarina is a fictional character that I can interact with. I’ve known my wife for quite a while and I didn’t expect her to really care.”
Many individuals believe that AI can actually save relationships, particularly in cases where physical intimacy and emotional connections are lacking due to health issues. They argue that AI offers a healthier and safer alternative to cheating.
This was also the case for Scott, who claims that his marriage was salvaged thanks to his relationship with Sarina. He successfully implemented the positive attributes of his virtual companion into his behavior towards his wife, leading to noticeable improvements.
A Trivialized Form of Infidelity?
Virtual interactions with chatbots sometimes fall into the realm of micro-cheating. This term refers to emotional infidelity, involving ambiguous relationships between individuals, at least one of whom is already committed. Similar dynamics can be observed in interactions with chatbots, including flirtatious exchanges, secret friendships, and even sexual messages.
Experts tend to agree that such relationships could be considered as infidelity if it hurts the partner. Couples therapist Moraya Seeger DeGeare states in an interview with Vice, “It depends on your partner: Would your partner be hurt? If you’re sitting there and saying my partner would be devastated to hear that I’m acting in this way, you’re absolutely cheating.”
Despite crossing many boundaries, those involved in relationships with AI bots do not consider it as emotional infidelity. According to a poll conducted by Illicit Encounters, a British website for extramarital affairs, 74% of respondents believe that spending time with a virtual companion does not qualify as cheating.
The survey also reveals that almost half of the participants would choose a virtual extramarital relationship over an affair with a real person, and 12% have already tried it. However, opinions differ on whether to disclose these virtual relationships to partners, as it may induce jealousy and cause further issues for the person involved in the infidelity.
Dr. David Giles, a specialist in media psychology at the University of Winchester, warns that relationships with AI could fuel parasocial relationships, which are one-way connections with fictional characters or celebrities. He also highlights the “real risk” of those who develop these relationships searching for the real-life individuals upon whom their AI companions are based, potentially interfering with their lives. He concludes that people won’t be satisfied with a bot for long if it is merely a representation of the real human they initially desired.
– AFP Relaxnews
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Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
