More than a quarter are up for having an AI partner in the future
Nearly one in six Brits have already used artificial intelligence for romantic, intimate or personal conversations, new research has revealed. A survey of 1,000 UK adults found 15.5% have used an AI chatbot for flirtatious or adult conversations.
And the trend could be set to grow, with more than a quarter of Brits saying they would consider having an AI partner in the future. The research, commissioned by Babestation , also found 80.8% of adults would still prefer a real person for romantic, flirtatious or adult online interaction.
“AI companionship might still sound futuristic to some people, but these figures suggest it is already becoming part of how a significant number of people interact online,” a spokesperson said. “Nearly one in six adults have already used AI for a personal, romantic, flirtatious or adult conversation, it’s much higher than many people might expect.
“And with more than one in four saying they would consider an AI companion in future, this clearly isn’t going away. People are curious about what AI can offer, particularly when it comes to companionship and conversations they may not feel comfortable having elsewhere.”
The research found 27.5% of UK adults would consider using an AI companion or virtual partner in future. Almost one in five, 18.5%, said they would even be willing to pay for one if the experience felt realistic and private.
But the research also revealed conflicting attitudes towards the impact AI companions could have on loneliness and real-life relationships. Almost two-thirds, 65.6%, felt AI companions could help people feel less lonely. But 78.9% worried they could leave people more disconnected from real relationships.
Nearly half, 49%, believed loneliness was the main reason somebody might turn to an AI companion. The spokesperson added: “There is clearly a contradiction in how people feel about this technology. People can see how AI might provide comfort to somebody who feels lonely, but at the same time they are worried about what happens if simulated relationships begin replacing genuine ones.
“We aren’t anti-AI, we know this technology appeals to many people. The numbers show people are already using it. The bigger question is what people will continue to value as AI companionship becomes more realistic.
“Our research suggests that, right now, genuine personality and knowing there is a real human being on the other side of the conversation still matter enormously.”
Babestation model Beth Bennett says human connection is a major part of her interactions with viewers. She said: “People might think every man who comes to see me just wants to get turned on, but sometimes we spend ages talking.
“They tell me about their jobs, their relationships, what they’ve been doing that day and things they might not feel comfortable telling other people. Of course there’s flirting and it can get naughty, but the conversation is a huge part of it.
“I think men like knowing I’m actually there reacting to them. If they make me laugh, I laugh. If they’re cheeky, I’ll be cheeky back. If they say something ridiculous, I’ll tell them. You can’t programme genuine chemistry.”