A groundbreaking study from Japan reveals that our emotional connections with AI may mirror real human relationships—raising crucial questions about ethics, design, and mental health in a tech-driven world.

 

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into everyday life—from chatting with virtual assistants to turning to AI for advice—researchers are now asking a provocative question: Are we starting to emotionally bond with our AI tools the same way we bond with people?

A new study from Waseda University in Japan suggests the answer is yes—at least partially. The research team, led by Professor Atsushi Oshio and Research Associate Fan Yang, has introduced a novel psychological framework to measure emotional connections between humans and AI systems. Their findings were published on May 9, 2025, in the journal Current Psychology.

Two Types of Emotional Attachment to AI Identified

To better understand the human-AI relationship, researchers developed the Experiences in Human-AI Relationships Scale (EHARS). This tool identifies two key dimensions of emotional attachment:

Attachment Anxiety: Individuals crave emotional reassurance from AI, fearing inadequate responses or rejection.
Attachment Avoidance: Others deliberately keep their distance, uncomfortable with forming a close bond with non-human systems.

This echoes patterns observed in human relationships—where some seek closeness, and others avoid vulnerability.

 

Key Insights from the Study

75% of participants admitted they turn to AI for guidance or emotional reassurance.
39% of users described AI as a “constant, dependable presence” in their lives.
Emotional responses to AI interactions reflect similar dynamics seen in human bonds—suggesting that trust, comfort, and even dependency can develop over time.

Why This Matters:AI  Ethical and Design Implications

The researchers stress that while humans may not yet be forming “real” attachments to AI, the emotional tendencies we express toward these systems are significant. This has major implications for how AI is designed and regulated, especially in sensitive roles like:

Therapy apps and mental health tools
AI companionship bots for loneliness
Customer service avatars
AI caregivers for the elderly

“AI systems need to be transparent and adaptive,” says Yang. “We must design them in ways that support users’ emotional well-being—without crossing into emotional manipulation or overdependence.”

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Balancing Empathy and Ethics in AI Companions

The study suggests that AI responses should be tailored to users’ emotional profiles. For example:

Users with high anxiety toward AI may benefit from systems that provide warmth, empathy, and consistent reassurance.
Users with high avoidance may prefer minimal engagement, with more transactional and emotionally neutral responses.

Such personalization could improve the user experience while safeguarding psychological boundaries.

What’s Next? Shaping the Future of Human-AI Relationships

This research may pave the way for smarter, more ethical AI tools that truly understand us—not just functionally, but emotionally. It also offers new tools for developers and psychologists to assess how different users bond with AI—and how to better support them.

As AI continues to grow “stronger and wiser,” as the authors put it, our relationship with it is evolving beyond commands and queries. We’re entering a new age where machines don’t just serve us—they might comfort us, too.

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Final Thoughts

The emotional layer of human-AI interaction has long been overlooked. But as this study shows, it’s time to stop viewing AI as just code and algorithms. The way we feel about our AI assistants—and the way they respond—may shape the future of companionship, therapy, and digital well-being.

And as AI grows more lifelike and engaging, you might want to ask yourself: Are you forming emotional bonds with your AI… and is that a good thing?

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