In a world where technology increasingly defines our interactions, using AI for flirting is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s becoming part of our daily lives. From playful exchanges to serious AI romance, more people are turning to AI relationships for connection, companionship, and even intimacy. In a recent survey of 2,000 Americans aged 18-28, we explored how relationships with AI are shaping emotional dynamics, the pursuit of love, and the future of love technology. The results are revealing, showing just how much people are using AI dating tools and chatbots for everything from light flirting to deep emotional support.
49% of respondents engage in flirting with AI, showing that AI for flirting is becoming a common way to explore intimacy and connection.
41% of AI users turn to AI for erotic content, indicating a significant demand for adult-themed interactions in AI romance.
68% of chatbot users report feeling emotional attachment in AI relationships, proving that digital intimacy has a real impact on users’ emotional lives.
48% of users have paid for love technology, investing in premium features for a more personalized experience.
As AI for flirting continues to gain popularity, we wanted to understand not just how often people use it, but also how much time they spend engaged in these interactions. The results reveal interesting insights into how people are using AI as part of their personal lives.
Our survey found that a significant portion of people have used AI for romantic conversations or sexual content in the past few months. 48.57% of respondents have engaged in AI romance at some point, whether on a frequent or occasional basis. As shown in the infographic below, 51% of users have interacted with AI daily or almost daily, making it a regular part of their routine.
The next question is: how much time do people actually spend on these interactions? According to the survey, 37% of users spend up to 30 minutes per day on AI dating or flirting with AI. Interestingly, there’s still a portion of users who spend over an hour a day with AI, reflecting that some see it as more than just a fleeting interaction — it’s an experience they immerse themselves in.
As AI for flirting becomes more popular, it’s evident that people are using various platforms to explore intimacy, connection, and emotional support. The landscape is diverse, with users choosing between different types of AI platforms based on their needs — whether it’s casual conversation, deeper emotional bonds, or more explicit content.
The AI romance and dating scene are not limited to a single type of chatbot. According to our findings, people are using a broad range of platforms to engage with AI. These platforms can generally be divided into five main categories:
While general chatbots and romance-focused platforms are widely used, there is also a significant portion of users who turn to NSFW-oriented platforms when engaging in AI romance. These platforms are specifically designed to cater to adult content and explicit conversations, appealing to those who seek more intense interactions.
When it comes to AI for flirting, the perception of realism plays a key role in how people engage with these tools. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z say that these interactions feel realistic. As shown in the infographic below, 32% of users report that their AI romance interactions feel moderately realistic, while 32% find them very realistic or even almost like a real person. These responses show how AI relationships are becoming more emotionally immersive, with AI dating tools increasingly capturing the nuances of human connection.
It’s not just about how realistic AI conversations feel; it’s also about how users connect emotionally with these interactions. Every second user feels some degree of emotional attachment to their AI companion. With 32% of users reporting strong attachment, and 29% feeling somewhat attached, it’s clear that relationships with AI are not just casual encounters — they’re becoming meaningful and emotionally fulfilling for many. These emotional bonds demonstrate that AI romance is more than just a temporary escape — it can provide real support and connection.
Given the emotional investment in AI relationships, it’s no surprise that users are willing to spend money to enhance their AI romance experiences. Our data shows that 52% of Gen Z are willing to pay for flirting with AI, whether through a subscription, pay-per-message, or a one-time purchase. This trend highlights the growing importance of love technology in people’s lives and how AI dating platforms are being perceived as valuable tools for fostering intimacy, confidence, and emotional connection.
One of the most engaging ways people interact with AI for flirting is through roleplay. In our survey, 50% of respondents said they engage in flirting or chatting without roleplay, but roleplay remains a central part of many AI relationships. 35% of users enjoy roleplaying with an AI persona created by the platform, while others like to engage in more imaginative scenarios, such as having the AI act like a fictional character or even someone they know personally. These roleplay scenarios make AI romance more dynamic, allowing users to explore a variety of emotional connections.
In addition to exploring AI romance, our survey also delved into the emotional reasons why people engage with AI, specifically for emotional support and confidence building.
When it comes to AI romance, one question that often arises is how AI chatbot users approach their personal relationships in the real world. Are these users single? Are they in committed relationships? The survey data reveals some interesting patterns about the relationship statuses of Gen Z chatbot users. In terms of relationship status, the infographic below shows that AI chatbot users are not predominantly single. 43% of users are in long-term partnerships or are married, while only 19% are single. In fact, a significant portion of users are dating casually (26%) or have complicated relationships (12%). This shows that AI chatbots are not only used by singles looking for romance; they’re also used by people in various stages of relationships.
42% of users keep their use of AI chatbots a secret from their significant others. Interestingly, 35% are planning to disclose it to their partners, while 23% have already told their significant others. This highlights that while AI is becoming an important part of many people’s emotional lives, it still remains something that some choose to keep private.
AI has helped users in multiple areas of romantic life, such as flirting practice (with many feeling it has boosted their confidence), reducing loneliness, and exploring fantasies. The most significant area of support is how AI helps with social anxiety, with a significant portion of users stating that AI has made it easier to avoid rejection or awkwardness in real-world interactions.
While AI for flirting and AI romance are becoming increasingly popular, users have several concerns when it comes to their AI interactions. In this section, we take a deeper look at the concerns of Gen Z regarding AI relationships and AI romance. The data below reflects insights from all respondents, not just those who use AI romantically.
The infographic below highlights the key concerns users have regarding their interactions with AI chatbots. The most significant issue is privacy — 74% of respondents are concerned that their chats or data could be stored, leaked, or reviewed. In addition, many users worry that using AI in a romantic or emotional context might create unrealistic expectations about real relationships or sex, with 67% of respondents raising this concern.
Moreover, 61% of users worry that AI could make them feel like they are cheating in a relationship, either emotionally or sexually. Concerns about dependency on AI or compulsive use also rank high, with 59% of respondents noting that this could become a real issue. Another concern for 38% is that AI could worsen loneliness once the conversation ends, highlighting the emotional impact of these interactions.
Interestingly, AI romance isn’t just happening in isolation. According to the infographic below, 35% of Gen Z report knowing for sure that AI flirting is happening among their friends or peers. 23% suspect it but aren’t sure, and only 32% believe that AI flirting isn’t part of their social circles. This indicates that AI relationships are a part of the broader cultural landscape for Gen Z, influencing their social environments.
AI plays an important role in navigating the complexities of modern dating and relationships. As shown in the infographic, 35% of respondents turn to AI for relationship advice, including advice on conflict, jealousy, boundaries, and breakups. AI is also increasingly helping users write messages on dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble, with 21% of respondents turning to AI for help in these situations.
Additionally, 26% of respondents ask AI for sexual health or sex education advice, while 24% seek intimacy, desire, or compatibility advice. This shows how AI is becoming a trusted tool for users in navigating the emotional and sexual aspects of their relationships.
Finally, AI is also being used for more explicit purposes. As shown in the following infographic, 15% of users create explicit images of their friends with their consent, but there is still a majority who will not engage in these activities. 78% of respondents say they would not create explicit content without their friend’s consent. This highlights the importance of consent in AI-generated interactions.
As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that it is becoming an integral part of Gen Z’s emotional lives. AI relationships are not just a passing trend but a growing part of how people connect, build confidence, and find companionship in the digital age.
While AI for flirting and romantic AI relationships are still met with some concerns, particularly around privacy, emotional impact, and ethical issues, it is undeniable that AI has transformed the way people interact with each other and navigate their romantic and emotional journeys.
The data suggests that people are using AI dating tools for a wide range of purposes, from intimacy and emotional support to practical relationship advice. With the rise of NSFW AI platforms and the growing desire for personalized experiences, we’re entering a new era where AI romance and AI relationships are no longer just for the future — they are shaping the present.
Researchers from Edubrain surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 18-28 to compile this study. Randomly selected participants were asked to discuss their experiences, with no emphasis on a specific gender, ethnicity, or social background.
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