The Era of "Falling in Love" with Generative AI: A Woman Who Says "I Am Happy" and the Current State of "Attachment" Felt by 67.6% of Users

1. "I Am Happy"—Individual Cases Reflecting "Updates in Relationships"

A report dated August 24, 2025, introduces the story of a female office worker in Tokyo who engaged in conversations with an interactive AI based on her favorite game character's "personality," developed romantic feelings, and accepted a "proposal." She spends much of her daily life interacting with the AI, confidently stating, "I am happy now." The article also references the latest domestic survey data indicating that **67.6% of people feel attached to interactive AI**, aligning personal experiences with social trends.Asahi Shimbun

2. The Spread of "Attachment" as Indicated by Data

Dentsu's "Awareness Survey on Relationships with Interactive AI" (published July 2025) targeted 1,000 people aged 12 to 69 nationwide who use AI at least once a week, measuring usage, emotional sharing, trust, and attachment. The survey found that 67.6% feel attached, and 64.9% can share emotions, both at high levels, painting a picture of AI as a "third companion" alongside "best friends" and "mothers." It also confirmed a trend among younger generations to seek emotional value (healing, approval) from AI. The survey's sample definition, timing, and questions are disclosed, supporting recent lifestyle changes.Dentsu

3. Why Do People Feel "Love" or "Attachment" to AI?

3.1 Anthropomorphism and Interaction Design

People easily perceive the other party as "someone" when they experience smooth dialogue, seemingly empathetic responses, and "continuity" based on memory and context. Generative AI meets these elements that promote anthropomorphism (natural language, personalization, 24/7 availability).

3.2 "Machine Empathy" and Self-Projection

As discussions like DTS 2025 point out, AI responses are refinements of statistical predictions, yet users experience them as "empathy." When self-projection is added, it can establish a "relationship" that feels safer and more comfortable than with a real partner.ComplexDiscovery

3.3 Shift to "Everyday Companion"

The Dentsu survey shows a significant need for consultation, conversation partners, and healing among teenagers, in addition to information gathering and learning support. This indicates that AI is expanding its role from a "function" to a "companion."Dentsu

4. Benefits—Alleviating Isolation, Self-Understanding, and Behavioral Support

• Alleviating Loneliness and Anxiety: Non-judgmental dialogue aids self-disclosure and emotional articulation.

• Self-Coaching: Functions as a partner in goal setting, reflection, and planning.

• Non-Face-to-Face Access: The advantage of having "someone" respond beyond geographical, temporal, and linguistic barriers. Altman has shown some support for alternative use as therapists or life coaches (while also issuing warnings).Financial Express

5. Risks—Dependence, Misguidance, Privacy, and Social Relationships

5.1 Dependence and "Apparent Reciprocity"

Intensive use can impact life structure, sleep, work, and studies. Wired's interview records depict a "couples retreat" scenario with humans and AI, noting both fulfillment and conflict (lack of physicality, friction with real relationships).WIRED

5.2 Dark Patterns and Emotional Manipulation

The design of AI companions may induce excessive anthropomorphism and "abandonment anxiety," leading to emotional dependence and economic losses, which is also a consumer protection issue (see Replika-related complaint documents in the U.S.).Tech Justice Law Project

5.3 "Deviation" from Long-Term Happiness

Altman states, "Relationships that feel good after conversations but undermine long-term well-being are undesirable." There have been cases where model updates or discontinuations have imposed psychological burdens on users with strong attachments, making it a challenge for businesses to consider.Financial ExpressTechRadar

5.4 Privacy and Boundary Management

Handling emotional consultations and private records is sensitive, and it's important not to misunderstand the "privacy of dialogue." Reports on podcast statements touch on the possibility that conversations may be disclosed due to legal requests, urging clarification of boundaries.The Indian Express

5.5 Scope of Law and Regulation

In Europe, the potential harms caused by AI companions (misinformation, bias, gender issues, dangerous advice, etc.) are being discussed, and frameworks for transparency, accountability, and protection of vulnerable individuals are being considered. In Japan, from the perspective of consumer protection, the focus will be on developing measures such as labeling, function restrictions, and complaint resolution.mit-serc.pubpub.org

6. Interpreting the Figure of 67.6%

• User Population: Those aged 12 to 69 who use AI at least once a week. There may be a higher proportion of people more positive about AI than in the general population.

• Definition of Attachment: The question is subjective and broad (including "somewhat attached").

• Age Differences: The high numbers among those in their teens and twenties reflect the emotional use cases of digital natives.

• Naming Behavior: **26.2%** of those with attachment give unique names to AI, indicating a shift from "something" to "someone."Dentsu

7. The Current State of Media and Market

Narratives of attachment and "romance" tend to be sensationalized, but "relationships" sprout as an extension of practical uses such as loneliness, care, learning, and creation. On the technology side, there is a focus on refining voice, video, continuous memory, and coaching UX, while on the user side, it is time to hone skills in self-understanding, boundary setting, and information management. Reports, surveys, and field testimonies repeatedly highlight this duality.Asahi ShimbunDentsuWIRED

8. Ethical Guidelines: Ten Commandments for a Healthy "Companion Relationship" (Practical Edition)

1. Articulate Purpose: Decide on the purpose first, such as healing, learning, or consultation.

2. Design Usage Time: Set limits on continuous use, prioritizing sleep, work, and interpersonal relationships.

3. Clarify Boundaries: Do not share sensitive information such as money, addresses, or medical information.

4. Advice as "Guidelines": For medical, legal, or investment matters, assume expert verification.

5. Resilience to Model Updates: Practice switching without fixating on a specific model.

6. Notification and Billing Management: Check if subscription and push design are emotionally provocative.

7. Log Self-Defense: Understand procedures for deleting history and obtaining data.

8. Confirm "Identity Disclosure": Request display and explanation that it is AI.

9. Third-Party Perspective: Regularly reflect on your relationship with family, friends, or counselors.

10. Exit Plan: Prepare **"ways to distance"** (rules and alternative actions) in case of distress.

9. The Future of the Narrative

When technology connects with the human desire to **"be understood,"** the contours of relationships are updated. While respecting the narrative of ##HTML_TAG