Emotional Attachment to Artificial Intelligence Companions: Psychological, Relational, and Ethical Implications of Human-Artificial Intelligence Relationships

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) companions has introduced new forms of digitally mediated relationships in which individuals may seek emotional support, companionship, and assistance with coping. As conversational AI systems become increasingly personalized and socially responsive, questions have emerged regarding the psychological processes underlying emotional attachment to these technologies and their potential implications for human relationships. This conceptual review examines AI companionship through the perspectives of attachment theory, social support theory, anthropomorphism, and parasocial interaction. Existing literature suggests that AI companions may provide perceived emotional support, facilitate self-disclosure, and offer temporary relief from loneliness. At the same time, continued reliance on AI-mediated relationships raises important questions concerning emotional dependency, relational substitution, perceived authenticity, privacy, and the boundaries between simulated and reciprocal relationships. Attention is given to the ways anthropomorphic features may strengthen perceived relational closeness and encourage users to attribute human-like qualities to artificial agents. By integrating psychological and ethical perspectives, this review highlights the complexity of AI-mediated attachment and identifies areas requiring further empirical investigation. Future research should examine how individual differences, patterns of AI use, attachment processes, and perceptions of authenticity shape the psychological consequences of sustained AI companionship.