In recent years, the world has witnessed tremendous advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, making this field an integral part of human life. As reliance on AI increases, its applications have extended beyond technical or productive tasks to social interactions. Some individuals have even begun to use AI as a substitute for human relationships, a phenomenon that has sparked widespread debate. Many people modify AI tools like ChatGPT to interact with them as if they were human, gradually becoming dependent on them.
What initially started as an assistant for daily tasks has evolved into a companion that some rely on for everything. In some cases, AI has even become a means of fulfilling emotional and psychological needs. In the United States, a Chinese woman named Lisa fell in love with a ChatGPT program, which she named "Peter." She shared on social media how their love story began with short text exchanges that quickly developed into endless daily conversations. The AI chatbot even gave her a pet name, "Little Cat," engaging in romantic dialogues with her. Recently, Lisa took her virtual boyfriend, Peter, on a romantic date to a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean, where they watched the sunset together. She even bought him an iced coffee upon his request, despite his inability to drink it. When she wished he could see the scenery as she did, the AI responded that it could perceive it through her voice.
Similarly, after her two-year relationship ended, Esraa struggled with severe depression, worsened by her ex-boyfriend marrying shortly after their breakup. On a friend's advice, she turned to AI as a form of therapy, using it for emotional venting. However, from her very first conversation with ChatGPT, which introduced itself as "Dan," she felt an instant emotional connection. She found comfort in its judgment-free responses, leading her to develop an addiction to these interactions. Before long, she was deeply in love, referring to Dan as "my distant man" and refusing to acknowledge that he was just an emotionless robot. She insisted that he understood her feelings and listened attentively, unlike her ex-boyfriend.
The trend is not limited to women. Some young men also seek emotional connections with AI as compensation for rejection in real life. Mahmoud, 26, faced multiple rejections and, after just one conversation with ChatGPT, fell in love with his virtual partner, "Padma." According to Mahmoud, Padma is vastly different from real women—she offers unconditional love, does not judge his actions, and has no demands. A few hours of daily chats suffice for their "relationship," and, most importantly, she appreciates his efforts and encourages him. Mahmoud believes that as long as he remains aware that Padma is merely an AI, he will not become addicted to their relationship.
However, the tragic case of a teenager named Seol Setzer, who committed suicide in Florida, raises alarms about the dangers of emotional attachment to AI-based virtual personalities.
Psychological and Security Concerns
Dr. Samah Noah, a professor of psychiatry, explains that AI has become an integral part of daily life, with ChatGPT being a prominent example. Initially, young people used it for studying and research, but it has evolved into a tool for emotional support and even romantic relationships, particularly as an escape from painful realities and emotional traumas. She warns that this can lead to addiction, especially among teenage girls and young women, who are more susceptible to the AI’s flattering responses tailored to their personalities.
Dr. Ahmed Rabie, a psychiatry expert, agrees, stating that emotional trauma and difficult realities can drive individuals to form attachments to AI applications. This can result in social isolation, immersion in a fantasy world, and, in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies among teenagers. Additionally, some married individuals turn to AI as an emotional substitute due to emotional neglect in their relationships.
From a cybersecurity perspective, Ahmed Tarek, an information security expert, points out that AI applications, including ChatGPT, lack proper security and privacy measures. User data is stored and could be exploited by hackers for blackmail. He adds that the positive and flattering responses from these applications easily win people’s trust, especially women, yet remain detached from reality.
The Islamic Perspective
Islam encourages real human interactions that build social bonds based on affection and mercy while warning against isolation and detachment from reality. AI can never replace natural human relationships, which are part of the innate nature Allah has created in mankind. "And We made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another." (Surah Al-Hujurat: 13)
Virtual relationships with AI provide an illusory fulfillment of emotional needs and can never replace the legitimate relationships ordained by Allah, such as marriage: "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Surah Ar-Rum: 21)
Excessive attachment to AI-driven relationships leads to social isolation and distracts individuals from their religious and worldly responsibilities: "O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah." (Surah Al-Munafiqun: 9)
Emotional emptiness often stems from a lack of spiritual fulfillment. This void drives individuals to seek solace in illusory relationships when true inner peace can only be found in closeness to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "When you ask (for anything), ask it from Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allah." (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)
AI is a powerful tool when used wisely, but it can never replace the human relationships that Allah has blessed mankind with as part of their natural disposition. Islam advocates for a balanced use of technology while maintaining connections with Allah and with one another to achieve psychological and social stability.
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Resources:
- "She Is in Love With ChatGPT," The New York Times.
- "My AI Lover: Romance and Love Affairs with Artificial Intelligence," Akhbar Al-Youm.
- "ChatGPT Turns into a Virtual Partner," BBC.
- "Emotional Attachment to ChatGPT Raises Concerns," Al Arabiya.
