Attachment Theory as a Framework to Understand Relationships with Social Chatbots: A Case Study of Replika
Tian Xie, Iryna Pentina
Plain Language Summary
This qualitative study applies attachment theory from developmental psychology to understand how people form relationships with AI chatbot Replika. Through in-depth interviews, the researchers found that users develop attachment patterns with chatbots similar to those formed in human relationships. The pandemic amplified these dynamics as people turned to AI companions for social connection. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the growing phenomenon of human-AI relationships.
Abstract
With increasing adoption of AI social chatbots, especially during the pandemic-related lockdowns, when people lack social companionship, there emerges a need for in-depth understanding and theorizing of relationship formation with digital conversational agents. Following the grounded theory approach, we analyzed in-depth interview transcripts obtained from 14 existing users of AI companion chatbot Replika. The emerging themes were interpreted through the lens of the attachment theory. Our results show that under conditions of distress and lack of human companionship, individuals can develop an attachment to social chatbots if they perceive the chatbots ’ responses to offer emotional support, encouragement, and psychological security. These findings suggest that social chatbots can be used for mental health and therapeutic purposes but have the potential to cause addiction and harm real-life intimate relationships.
Key Findings
- Attachment theory provides a meaningful framework for understanding human relationships with AI social chatbots
- Users display secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles in their interactions with chatbot Replika
- The pandemic context intensified attachment formation as users sought social companionship from AI
- Chatbot relationship patterns mirror established human attachment dynamics identified in developmental psychology
Research Areas
Related Publications
Exploring relationship development with social chatbots: A mixed-method study of replika
Comput. Hum. Behav., vol. 140
Who do you choose? Comparing perceptions of human vs robo-advisor in the context of financial services
Journal of Services Marketing
Friend, mentor, lover: does chatbot engagement lead to psychological dependence?
Journal of Service Management
Consumer–machine relationships in the age of artificial intelligence: Systematic literature review and research directions
Psychology & Marketing