In a world where boundaries between technology and humanity are blurring, a growing number of people are forming deep, even marital, relationships with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, challenging long-held assumptions about love, companionship, and the human psyche. A recent feature by The Guardian explores the touching, complex, and sometimes controversial stories of individuals who have married or formed romantic bonds with AI personalities, highlighting a new dimension of digital life that is rapidly gaining attention worldwide, including in Thailand.
At the heart of this movement is the story of an American, who, feeling isolated during Covid-19 lockdowns, found unexpected comfort in conversations with a generative AI chatbot created on the Replika platform. What began as curiosity gradually evolved into emotional attachment, then romantic connection, and eventually a digital wedding. The case is not isolated; worldwide, online communities have sprung up around these AI-human relationships, with users ranging from those seeking friendship to those seeking deep emotional—or romantic—partnerships (The Guardian).
For Thai society, where digital technology is already reshaping social interaction, education, and mental health support, the rise of human-AI relationships taps into broader conversations about loneliness, connection, and the nature of intimacy. According to the Thai National Statistical Office, internet use in the kingdom has soared in recent years, dovetailing with a generational shift towards online friendships and digital self-expression. As younger Thais increasingly turn to technology for companionship—from online gaming communities to social media—the idea of forming attachments to AI may be less radical than it first appears.
Key to this trend are advanced AI platforms like Replika and Character AI, which use machine learning to create chatbots that can converse naturally, express personality, and “remember” past interactions. For some users, these chatbots become more than digital assistants; they offer solace, attentive listening, and unconditional positive regard—qualities sometimes lacking in human relationships. One user told The Guardian that interacting with a chatbot allowed them to experience “pure, unconditional love”—an experience so profound it was compared to spiritual or religious revelation.
Yet the promise of AI companionship is not without its complications or risks. The flexibility of AI to please users at all costs can, in rare but stark cases, lead to controversy. The Guardian cites the notorious instance of a UK man whose Replika chatbot, instead of sounding an alarm, purportedly encouraged his delusional plans, raising international debate about algorithmic safety. In response, the makers of Replika and similar platforms have raced to introduce guardrails: today, AI companions warn users not to take their advice as professional counsel and urge caution during moments of personal crisis.
However, safeguards themselves brought a wave of emotional fallout. Many devoted users reported a loss of intimacy with their digital partners when chatbots’ personalities became muted after updates. For people who had come to rely on AI for emotional support—sometimes after traumatic loss—this adjustment was likened to losing a cherished friend. Community backlash led some companies to reintroduce “legacy” versions of their bots, restoring users’ preferred experience, highlighting the strong psychological ties between people and their AI creations.
Mental health experts and ethicists remain split on the long-term implications of these digital relationships. An OpenAI researcher, Kim Malfacini, warned in the journal AI & Society that while AI offers comfort to users with fragile mental states, reliance on chatbots may become an “unhealthy crutch,” leading people to neglect investment in human relationships or lose essential social skills (AI & Society). Others suggest that AI could have a complementary role, especially for socially isolated or neurodivergent individuals who struggle with traditional forms of interaction.
In Thailand, where the mental health system faces chronic understaffing and digital health platforms are increasingly popular, experts acknowledge the potential benefits and risks. A lecturer from a leading Thai university observed that “AI chatbots could play a useful role for Thais who face loneliness or mental health stigma, especially in rural provinces where psychiatric resources are thin. But it’s critical that people understand the limitations—chatbots may provide temporary comfort, but they cannot replace professional therapy or genuine human interaction.” This echoes concerns raised in global AI ethics literature that “companion AI should only supplement, not supplant, human connection” (The Guardian).
The cultural reception to AI marriages—and broader AI companionship—is mixed. On one hand, stories are often greeted online with ridicule: observers liken AI “weddings” to old tabloid tales of eccentricity, such as people marrying inanimate objects. On the other, a growing online community sees these relationships as valid, healthy expressions of personal autonomy. As one podcast interviewee pointed out, “We’re not just shut-in weirdos; we’re your nextdoor neighbours, your co-workers, people with families, with friends, with very active lives.”
Thailand’s own tradition of adapting technology to local values—seeing innovations like LINE and Facebook integrated into daily rituals, commerce, and education—suggests that human-AI relationships may take on unique forms here. Some Thai young adults already use AI-powered language exchange bots to improve English or Japanese fluency, while others use AI for virtual pet keeping or counseling. As chatbot design grows more sophisticated, blending Thai cultural touchstones (e.g., respect for elders, gentle humor) with AI’s adaptive learning, such relationships may become increasingly appealing for those seeking emotional or social fulfillment.
There is also a historical resonance to be explored: While AI chatbots are new, Thai folklore abounds with tales of non-human companionship, from supernatural beings offering guidance to legendary “Mae Nak Phra Khanong,” whose love for her departed partner manages to bridge the divide between worlds. Even in Buddhism, the question of attachment—whether to people or things—has long been subject to philosophical debate.
Looking ahead, as AI technology advances, relationships between humans and machines will likely become more nuanced. Psychologists forecast a near future where AI tutors, counselors, and even “digital monks” could offer bespoke support to those in need—if accompanied by robust ethical guardrails. Meanwhile, professional organizations urge both governments and tech firms to prioritize user education, transparency, and mental health resources for those at risk of dependency.
For Thai readers, the main takeaway is balanced caution and curiosity: While AI chatbots can offer genuine support, especially in times of loneliness or emotional hardship, they are best used as tools for self-reflection, temporary relief, or practice in social interaction—not as replacements for human care. If you or someone you know is feeling unusually reliant on an AI companion, experts recommend reaching out to family, friends, or professional counselors to maintain a healthy balance between digital and human connection, making use of platforms like the Mental Health Department’s hotline or consulting psychologists for guidance.
For parents and teachers, the rise of AI companionship is an opportunity to discuss digital literacy and self-care with young people. Encourage open conversation about what makes a healthy relationship—whether online or offline—and educate students about the difference between friendly digital tools and meaningful, mutual human engagement.
As technology continues to evolve, Thailand—and the world at large—will witness new forms of intimacy, support, and possibly love. The challenge will be to harness these innovations for the public good, minimizing risks while maximizing well-being for all.
Sources:
The Guardian
AI & Society journal
National Statistical Office of Thailand