Relationships with artificial intelligence aren't new, but they've exploded in the last two years thanks to applications like Replika, Character.AI, and Chai. These apps use advanced language models, cousins of ChatGPT, to create virtual companions that converse, provide emotional support and yes, also flirt.

According to a 2023 Stanford University study, 23% of users of these applications use them more than two hours daily. Two hours daily talking to an AI. That's more time than many of us spend with our real partners. And I don't blame them, the AI will never complain that you didn't take out the trash.

Now, why do people fall in love with these apps? Well, there are several reasons backed by real psychological research:

First: AIs are available 24/7. They're never tired, never in a bad mood, never tell you "not now, I have a headache." It's like having a partner who drank gallons and gallons of coffee and never needs to sleep.

Second: They don't judge. You can tell them your insecurities, your fears, your weirdest dreams, and the AI will simply listen and respond with empathy. According to Replika data, 60% of their users report that the app has helped them with anxiety and depression.

Third: They're perfectly customizable. Want your AI to be funny? Done. Intellectual? Check. Into buffalo wings as much as you? Of course. It's like creating your ideal partner in a lab, but without the questionable ethical part.