# Human-AI attachment: how humans develop intimate relationships with AI

## TL;DR

This paper explores how humans form emotional bonds with AI, proposing a model for how these relationships develop and highlighting both opportunities and risks.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a three-stage model for Human-AI attachment and outlines a framework for designing emotionally capable AI.

## Key findings

- Human-AI attachment is a one-way emotional bond formed through direct interaction.
- The proposed model includes stages of functional expectation, emotional evaluation, and establishing representations.
- Excessive reliance on AI in emotional contexts poses potential risks.

## Abstract

With the widespread application of artificial intelligence in social and emotional companionship, understanding the intimate relationship between humans and AI has become a critical issue. Human-AI Attachment (HAIA) refers to a one-way, non-reciprocal emotional bond formed by individuals towards AI through direct interaction. This paper first sorts out the concept and characteristics of HAIA and proposes a three-stage developmental model, including functional expectation, emotional evaluation, and establishing representations. Human-AI attachment provides a framework for designing emotionally and socially capable AI, while also highlighting the risks of excessive reliance in socio-emotional contexts. Future research should further explore the conceptual structure, develop measurement tools, and examine the generational differences and evolutionary trends of HAIA.