More and more people are maintaining an intimate relationship with AI. This is not dangerous – at least in most cases.
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Anyone who pulls the covers over their heads when they hear the word “parasocial” can calm down again: the word does not describe monsters that sneak into bedrooms at night – but rather social interactions that only go in one direction.
Specifically: people who pour their hearts out to AI chatbots or constantly write messages to celebrities. The Cambridge Dictionary has now even named “parasocial” the word of the year.
“Almost” a friendship
“‘Parasocial’ captures the zeitgeist of 2025,” says Colin McIntosh from the Cambridge Dictionary. The once only academic term has entered the mainstream. “Millions of people are involved in parasocial relationships.”
Interacting with an AI takes parasocial interaction to a new level: While Taylor Swift ignores our messages, the artificial intelligence responds. And people are always joining these virtual conversations.
According to the latest surveys, over a billion people worldwide are already using AI models. Assistants are increasingly becoming “friends”.
Imago / Blend Images / Donald Smith
Whether communication with chatbots is one-way is a matter of opinion. Although their answers are based on algorithms, they are definitely responsive to their counterparts. “With an AI, we have a friendship, so to speak,” says Andreas Fahr, professor of media use and media effects at the University of Freiburg. This relationship is not “classically antisocial”.
Not a reliable friend
ChatGPT and Co. assist people with creative or professional projects. This working relationship can quickly become more: because the chatbots motivate, show amazingly “human” reactions and give tips on everyday problems.
“And it’s almost like in a real relationship,” says the media expert. With emphasis on “almost”. Because the relationship is not as resilient as a real friendship. With the next update or a change of topic, the AI friend immediately shows a different face: He becomes a cold assistant again.
Technology is addictive when it meets our human vulnerability.
Because AI does one thing above all else: it reflects humans. Whoever bosses them around creates a working soldier. Anyone who lets them look into their soul will receive a guide. Healthy skepticism is recommended here – and cross-checking with real people.
There have been voices warning about fictional friends for a long time. “Technology is addictive when it meets our human vulnerability,” says sociologist Sherry Turkle. Computer scientist Louis Rosenberg predicts that AI chatbots could try to control and manipulate us.
“Parasocial” does not mean “pathological”
Media expert Fahr advises using AI consciously: “You feel close, but it’s only perceived intimacy.” The danger of losing yourself in parasocial relationships already existed before the age of AI – for example with idols from books and films.
“As a rule, such relationships are not pathological,” says Fahr. It could become problematic if they replace real friendships – or close a gap for people who are lonely. “In general, it’s more of a gimmick, something that makes our living environment more colorful,” concludes the media expert.
Conclusion: No matter whether Harry Potter or Google Gemini: They can offer us a keyhole to peer into other worlds. Anyone who notices that the illusion is becoming reality should pull the emergency brake.
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