AI and Attachment Theory: A New Lens for Understanding Human-AI Relationships

A Revolutionary Framework for Human-AI Bonds

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous in our daily lives, a fascinating question emerges: Can humans form genuine emotional attachments to AI systems? New research from Waseda University suggests that the psychological frameworks we use to understand human relationships may also apply to our interactions with artificial intelligence.

The study, published in Current Psychology on May 9, 2025, introduces a groundbreaking approach to understanding human-AI relationships through attachment theory—a psychological framework traditionally used to explain how humans form emotional bonds with one another.

Beyond Trust and Companionship

While previous research has focused on trust and companionship in human-AI interactions, this new study delves deeper into the emotional and psychological dimensions of these relationships. Research Associate Fan Yang and Professor Atsushi Oshio from the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences at Waseda University developed a novel self-report scale called the Experiences in Human-AI Relationships Scale (EHARS).

The Two Dimensions of AI Attachment

The research identified two key dimensions of human attachment to AI, mirroring patterns found in human relationships:

Surprising Statistics on AI Emotional Support

The study's findings reveal the extent to which people are already turning to AI for emotional needs:

• 75% of participants turned to AI for advice and guidance
• 39% perceived AI as a constant, dependable presence in their lives
• Many users sought not just information but emotional support and companionship from AI systems
• Some individuals reported that AI provided them with a sense of security similar to human relationships

Implications for AI Design and Ethics

These findings have significant implications for the ethical design of AI systems, particularly those used in mental health and emotional support contexts. The research suggests that AI developers should consider users' attachment styles when designing interaction patterns.

For instance, AI chatbots used in loneliness interventions or therapy apps could be tailored to different users' emotional needs—providing more empathetic responses for users with high attachment anxiety or maintaining respectful distance for users with avoidant tendencies.

The Need for Transparency and Balance

The researchers emphasize that their findings don't necessarily mean humans are forming genuine emotional attachments to AI in the same way they do with people. Rather, the study demonstrates that psychological frameworks used for human relationships can provide valuable insights into human-AI interactions.

This research highlights the need for transparency in AI systems that simulate emotional relationships, such as romantic AI apps or caregiver robots, to prevent emotional overdependence or manipulation. The goal should be to create AI that enhances human well-being rather than replacing human connections.

Looking Toward the Future

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, understanding the psychological dynamics behind human-AI interactions becomes crucial. The EHARS scale developed by the Waseda University team could be used by developers and psychologists to assess how people relate to AI emotionally and adjust interaction strategies accordingly.

This research promotes a better understanding of how humans connect with technology on a societal level, helping to guide policy and design practices that prioritize psychological well-being in our increasingly AI-integrated world.