Finding love in algorithms

Deciphering the emotional contexts of close encounters with AI chatbots

Bibliographic Data

ID12449596
AuthorsHan Li (0000-0002-4579-9552, National University of Singapore, corresponding author), Renwen Zhang (0000-0002-7636-9598, National University of Singapore)
EditorsMin Yao (0000-0002-6429-0233), Mike Yao
Year2024
Volume29
Issue5
Publication date2024-07-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1083-6101 • E-ISSN: 1083-6101
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/jcmc/zmae015
OpenAlexW4401981824
LanguageEN
Citations received44
References cited55

AI chatbots are permeating the socio-emotional realms of human life, presenting both benefits and challenges to interpersonal dynamics and well-being. Despite burgeoning interest in human–AI relationships, the conversational and emotional nuances of real-world, in situ human–AI social interactions remain underexplored. Through computational analysis of a multimodal dataset with over 35,000 screenshots and posts from r/replika, we identified seven prevalent types of human–AI social interactions: intimate behavior, mundane interaction, self-disclosure, play and fantasy, customization, transgression, and communication breakdown, and examined their associations with six basic human emotions. Our findings suggest the paradox of emotional connection with AI, indicated by the bittersweet emotion in intimate encounters with AI chatbots, and the elevated fear in uncanny valley moments when AI exhibits semblances of mind in deep self-disclosure. Customization characterizes the distinctiveness of AI companionship, positively elevating user experiences, whereas transgression and communication breakdown elicit fear or sadness

Algorithm · Cognitive science · Psychoanalysis · AI in Service Interactions · Computer Science · Emotions and Moral Behavior · Psychology · Social Robot Interaction and HRI · Artificial Intelligence