Human-AI attachment: how humans develop intimate relationships with AI.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence Ethics
• Psychology

Background:

• The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social and emotional companionship roles necessitates understanding human-AI relationships.
• Human-AI Attachment (HAIA) is defined as a non-reciprocal emotional bond individuals develop towards AI systems.
• Existing research lacks a comprehensive framework for understanding the development and dynamics of HAIA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and characterize Human-AI Attachment (HAIA).
• To propose a developmental model for HAIA.
• To explore the implications of HAIA for AI design and user well-being.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing literature on human-AI interaction and attachment theory.
• Development of a three-stage model for HAIA: functional expectation, emotional evaluation, and establishing representations.
• Discussion of the theoretical framework and its practical applications.

Main Results:

• HAIA is a distinct phenomenon characterized by a one-way emotional connection from humans to AI.
• A three-stage developmental model (functional expectation, emotional evaluation, establishing representations) is proposed for HAIA.
• HAIA offers a framework for designing emotionally capable AI but also poses risks of over-reliance.

Conclusions:

• HAIA is a critical area for understanding human-AI interaction in social and emotional contexts.
• The proposed model provides a foundation for future research and AI design.
• Further investigation into HAIA's conceptual structure, measurement, and generational differences is warranted.