AI and the American Psychological Association

"Once the realm of science fiction, human-AI relationships are becoming normal aspects of daily life. While generative AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini have become common tools for many users, a new wave of AI apps, such as Replika, Character AI, and dozens more, are specifically designed to simulate human companionship. The essential distinction between the assistant chatbots—which are sometimes used as digital friends—and companion AI chatbots is that the latter have been specifically designed to initiate and maintain romantic relationships.

Between 2022 and mid-2025, the number of AI companion apps surged by 700%, according to the technology news site TechCrunch. And in 2026, they are poised to become even more embedded in our social lives. Marketed as friends, advisers, and romantic partners, these apps now attract millions."

* Thank you Efua Andoh for interviewing me and for the invitation to participate in this fascinating conversation inside the American Psychological Association's Monitor on Psychology.