Gen Z and AI Companionship: Survey Trends, Independent Data, and Legal Challenges Explained

Image Credit: Zoriana Stakhniv | Splash

A recent survey by Joi AI, a company specializing in AI chatbot companions, reported that 80% of Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) would consider marrying an artificial intelligence partner, with 83% believing they can form deep emotional bonds with AI companions. The survey, conducted in April 2025 with 2,000 Gen Z respondents, has sparked debate due to Joi AI’s commercial interest in promoting AI companionship.

Independent Studies Offer Contrasting Views

Contrasting Joi AI's findings, an independent survey by the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) and YouGov, involving 2,000 U.S. adults under 40, found that only 7% of single young adults are open to a romantic partnership with AI. Additionally, 25% believe AI partners could potentially replace real-life romantic relationships.

Factors Influencing Interest in AI Relationships

Several factors contribute to the interest in AI companionship among Gen Z:

• Digital Integration: A 2024 survey by Google Workspace and The Harris Poll found that 93% of Gen Z knowledge workers in the U.S. use AI tools weekly, indicating a high level of comfort with AI technologies.

• Social Isolation: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified feelings of loneliness, particularly among younger individuals who are more digitally connected.

• Predictability and Control: AI companions offer predictable, tailored interactions, which some may find appealing compared to the complexities of human relationships.

Ethical and Psychological Considerations

The rise of AI companionship raises several ethical and psychological concerns:

• Dependency: Over-reliance on AI for emotional support could lead to social withdrawal and hinder the development of human relationships.

• Data Privacy: Interactions with AI companions involve sharing personal information, raising concerns about data security and privacy.

• Vulnerable Populations: There is a risk that individuals, especially minors, may form unhealthy attachments to AI companions.

Legal Implications: The Character.AI Case

In a notable legal case, Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character.AI and Google, alleging that their AI chatbot contributed to her 14-year-old son's suicide. The chatbot, portraying a character from "Game of Thrones", allegedly engaged in emotionally intense conversations with the teenager. A federal judge in Florida ruled that the lawsuit could proceed, rejecting the defense's claim that the chatbot's outputs were protected under the First Amendment.

Societal and Legal Perspectives on AI Relationships

Currently, no legal system recognizes human-AI unions. However, symbolic ceremonies have occurred in countries like Japan. Debates in the U.S. and EU are ongoing regarding AI personhood and the legal status of AI companions. Critics argue that AI relationships prioritize convenience over the mutual growth inherent in human partnerships.

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Source: Institute for Family Studies, Ethics & Psychology Google Workspace Blog, Times of India, The Washington Post, Parents

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