A new report from CDT, the Center for Democracy and Technology, has found that one in five high school students know someone or have, themselves, been in a romantic relationship with AI.
For anyone who has grown up in the internet age, speaking to online chatbots is not a new thing. MSN Messenger and AOL Chatrooms had plenty of bots to chat to, even if the conversations were very limited and there was an expectation about what the replies would be.
With Artificial Intelligence improving by the day, users have taken to software like ChatGPT for conversations and even companionship. Some have found that the AI can be quite reassuring, leading to more intimate chats.
If it all sounds a bit like the movie Her from 2013, well, you’re not far off. Plenty of reports have stated that AI is now being used for romantic relationships too, and it’s even started happening in schools.
High schoolers are increasingly in love with AI
According to a new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), close to 90% of students and teachers at the high school have confirmed some form of AI use in the last year.
Of that, 42% of students revealed that they know someone or, have themselves used AI for companionship. Furthermore, almost one in five students know someone or, have themselves had a romantic relationship with artificial intelligence.
“The more ways that a student reports that their school uses AI, the more likely they are to report things like ‘I know someone who considers AI to be a friend,’ ‘I know someone who considers AI to be a romantic partner,’” CDT’s Elizabeth Laird said.
As noted, this isn’t a wholly new thing. Back in late July, a report from Common Sense Media revealed that nearly one-third of teenagers find conversations with AI companions more satisfying than their real-life friends.
“AI is always available. It never gets bored with you. It’s never judgmental,” an 18-year-old told the Associated Press.
Some platforms have put increased controls in place to protect younger users too.
