17% of Japanese People Report Feeling Love for AI, Seen as Replacement for 'Weary Humans'

In Japan, over half of people feel a sense of intimacy when conversing with AI, and some users have reportedly developed feelings of love for artificial intelligence.

Professor Masahiro Yamada of Chuo University surveyed 8,200 individuals in Japan aged between 20 and 59 regarding their experiences with AI.

Approximately 16.7% of users who have used AI privately responded that they have felt love towards AI. This figure equates to about one in every six users who have employed AI for personal use. Breaking down the proportion of respondents who felt affection for AI, 2.6% reported feeling it 'often,' 6.6% 'sometimes,' and 7.5% 'rarely.' Combined, these indicate that 16.7% of users have experienced affection in their interactions with AI.

A total of 60% reported feeling a sense of intimacy with generative AI. Fifty-one percent found conversing with AI more comfortable than talking to humans, narrowly surpassing the 48% who disagreed.

Professor Yamada analyzed that because generative AI possesses characteristics that make users feel understood, an increasing number of people may find relationships with AI attractive due to their comfort, pleasantness, and low cost.