Should ChatGPT Write Your Breakup Text? Exploring the Role of AI in Relationship Dissolution

TL;DR

This study explores how generative AI could support individuals during relationship breakups by addressing emotional, communicative, and reflective needs, while also considering potential risks and ethical concerns.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into current technology use in breakups and proposes novel ways GenAI can assist, highlighting design opportunities and challenges.

Findings

People have specific needs at different breakup stages.

Current technology does not fully meet users' emotional and support needs.

Participants see potential for GenAI to aid reflection, communication, and personal growth.

Abstract

Relationships are essential to our happiness and wellbeing, yet their dissolution-the final stage of a relationship's lifecycle-is among the most stressful events individuals can experience, often leading to profound and lasting impacts. With the breakup process increasingly facilitated by technology, such as computer-mediated communication, and the likely future influence of generative AI (GenAI) tools, we conducted a semi-structured interview study with 21 participants. We aim to understand: 1) the current role of technology in the breakup process, 2) the needs and support individuals seek during this time, and 3) how GenAI might address or undermine these needs. Our findings show that people have distinct needs at various stages of breakups. While currently technology plays an important role, it falls short in supporting users' unmet needs. Participants envision that GenAI could: 1) aid in prompting self-reflection, providing neutral second opinions, and assisting with planning leading up to a breakup; 2) serve as a communication mediator, supporting wording and tone to facilitate emotional expression during breakup conversations; and 3) support personal growth and offer companionship after a breakup. However, our findings also reveal participants' concerns about involving GenAI in this process. Based on our results, we discuss the potential opportunities, design considerations, and harms of GenAI tools in facilitating people's relationship dissolution.