Researchers ANU are studying how people are using artificial intelligence in their personal lives and the role the technology is increasingly playing in our romantic encounters. 

Dr Anne Ozdowska said although AI has the potential to play a positive, supporting role in our relationships, sinister uses such as “chatfishing” – using AI to deceive others online – have also been popping up more frequently.

“So far, we’ve found there are different factors that explain why people are turning to AI and they’re doing it for different reasons. We’re seeing it used as a therapist and a source of communication advice and emotional support, and that’s just the beginning,” Dr Ozdowska said.

“We’re seeing a shift towards people turning to AI for advice, as opposed to other humans. We’re seeing people ask AI questions you might have previously asked your friends over dinner and drinks.

“For example, we’ve had someone who said they put their text exchange into AI to see if the person they were chatting to was flirting with them, because they couldn’t tell.”

The ANU researchers are looking to expand their research to get a better idea of the role AI is playing in our love lives.

They’re keen to hear from people with a range of experiences, including those who are firmly against using AI in their personal lives, and those who haven’t done so before but would be open to it in the future.

“This is not something that’s been looked at from an academic point of view until now,” PhD researcher Karla Kelly said.

“If we better understand how people are using AI in their love lives, we can look at some of the social, ethical and emotional implications of those uses.”

Early data from the ANU survey shows clear trends.
The researchers found people who are opposed to mixing AI and dating are worried it is “inauthentic” or “dishonest” and doesn’t seem genuine enough.

Those who have used it in their romantic lives have used it to suggest topics to keep the conversation going or to craft more thoughtful messages when they’re finding it hard to put something into words.

Others report using AI to resolve misunderstandings more calmly, or to make sure they’re using the right tone.

The ANU survey is available online and open to everyone.