AI-RP: The AI Relationship Process Framework

TL;DR

This paper introduces the AI-RP framework, a sequential model explaining how human-chatbot relationships develop through chatbot features, perceptions, communication, and relational outcomes, aiming to guide future research.

Contribution

The AI-RP framework is the first to focus on communication as the central process in human-chatbot relationship formation, integrating chatbot features and social perceptions.

Findings

Proposes a six-feature profile for chatbots.

Introduces a dual-route approach to social perception.

Provides a behavioral model linking communication to relational outcomes.

Abstract

For a growing number of people, AI chatbots have become close personal companions. Despite rising scholarly attention, theoretical accounts of how such relationships develop remain fragmented. Existing frameworks address important aspects of the phenomenon, but they rarely treat human-chatbot communication as the central behavior that builds relationships. To address this gap, we propose the AI relationship process (AI-RP) framework. The AI-RP outlines relationship formation as a sequential process. (a) Chatbot characteristics shape users' (b) social perceptions. These perceptions guide (c) communication, and communication produces (d) relational outcomes such as attachment and companionship. The AI-RP introduces a six-features profile characterizing chatbots, a dual-route approach of social perception, a behavioral conceptualization of communication and discusses the foundation and types of artificial relationships. By foregrounding observable communicative behavior, the AI-RP provides a foundation for theory building and empirical research on the social and ethical implications of AI companionship.