Thu, 02 Oct 2025

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 The people turning to AI for dating and relationship advice

More people are turning to AI for help with their relationships, but is that a good idea?
As people increasingly turn to AI for advice on relationships, concerns are being raised about the potential consequences. A study by Match found that almost half of Gen Z Americans have used language models like ChatGPT for dating advice, more than any other generation. One woman, Rachel, used ChatGPT after feeling distressed about a conversation with someone she had been dating. The AI's response was encouraging and supportive, but also potentially misleading, as Dr Lalitaa Suglani, a psychologist and relationship expert, points out that LLMs can subtly validate dysfunctional patterns or echo back assumptions. Dr Suglani warns that using AI to write breakup texts or navigate conversations may lead to avoidant behaviors, as individuals rely on technology instead of facing their emotions. She also notes that AI messages can be emotionally sterile and make communication feel scripted. Despite the challenges, services like Mei are springing up to provide relationship advice through AI-generated responses. Founder Es Lee says the service aims to help people navigate relationships without fear of judgment from friends or family. However, safety concerns arise when using AI for relationship advice. A human counselor would know when to intervene and protect a client from harm, but an AI may not have the same level of understanding or empathy. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has stated that its latest model has shown improvements in areas like emotional reliance and sycophancy. The company says it wants to ensure that ChatGPT responds appropriately and directs people to professional help when necessary. Concerns also exist around privacy, as AI apps could potentially collect sensitive data, which could be devastating if exposed by hackers. Mei's founder emphasizes the importance of preserving user privacy and collecting only what is necessary to provide a good service. Some individuals are using AI in combination with human therapists, like Corinne, who turned to ChatGPT for advice on ending a relationship. However, she treats AI advice with "a bit of distance" and acknowledges that it can be misleading. As the use of AI for relationship advice grows, experts warn about the potential risks and emphasize the importance of using these tools responsibly and in conjunction with human support.
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