Making a relationship with AI sounds like a faraway scene, but research and real-life implementations indicate that it is not so futuristic. Indeed, National Science Foundation (NSF) research indicates that nearly two-thirds of those with daily interactions with AI respond positively when asked how well they feel like they know the machine more than a human or plant companion would and seem to find it relationship forming. AI-driven virtual assistants have been embedded in the day-to-day interaction process ever more widely, and brands like Apple, Amazon and Microsoft have put significant effort into steering the conversations around AI as an extension of personal experience. In fact, products such as Apple s Siri or Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (which have millions of users) find people often reporting that they feel a bond to these AIs.
If you are speaking to AI as a user often, then the AI is personalising its replies based on your choice, behaviour and mannerism. According to a 2023 survey conducted by PwC48, percent of people said their relationship with AI assistants evolved positively after they received consistent and personalized experiences from the same assistant. Machine learning based algorithms in AI systems analyze conversations and learn to adapt with user inputs over time. So, Google Assistant knows about the person — it learns routines and preferences, maintains information based on contextual awareness (reminders for appointments, traffic updates for a commute). Such personal interactions may be a source of building confidence, as they do with humans.
As for the handling of sensitive topics — another layer on this new relationship between humans and AI. According to a 2022 study from the University of California, Los Angeles, nearly three-quarters (72%) of users were happy to engage an AI on a personal level—particularly with it being in the context of something like therapy or mental health app. AI is associated with a non-judgmental, constant presence that will always be available to listen, providing companionship. Though the interaction is mediated, these users stated that they felt understood and less alone.
Adding emotional intelligence to AI makes it more human-like in terms of the relationship. In 2021, MIT published a report as evidenced by on-demand AI systems that can recognize emotion in speech and text for increasing user satisfaction — up to 35% really! These systems become more sophisticated in that they can also comprehend tone, mood and sentiment enabling a deeper engagement. This may help people feel more connected, especially in environments where socialising is limited because of remote working or isolation.
When the users also talk to the AI every single day, it gives them a chance to “teach” the system as well, creating something that feels more like an back-and-forth relationship. In example, individuals engaging with A. I. driven voice aides - Amazon Alexa for instance - have the ability to modify settings and preferences, assimilating the connection by even training the AI for new commands. In fact, a 2021 consumer report found that six in ten individuals stated that customizations give them the impression that their AI is “listening” and adjusting its performance to become better suited to their needs which caused them to use it for more tasks.
However, the truth is building a relationship in the literal sense should not be expected of AI as they gradually change and mimic responses that result in every singular personalisation. However, as AI learns from daily interactions and tailors its responses accordingly, it is possible for users to find themselves forming relationships that seem authentic and stimulating. If you wish to experience this developing bond, begin talk to ai and allow the AI to learn your likes & habits!