From Flirting to Friendships, Relationships with AI Are Gaining Popularity
Global omnichannel cloud communications platform Infobip recently commissioned a survey that sheds light on Americans’ interactions with chatbots, uncovering some intriguing insights into the evolving relationship between humans and AI.
The nationwide survey revealed that nearly 20% of Americans have engaged in flirtatious conversations with chatbots. This trend is particularly prevalent among those aged 35 to 44, with over 50% of respondents in this age group admitting to having flirted with a chatbot.
“Chatbot relationships may be on the rise, but we cannot overlook their role in customer service. Over half of Americans (52.4%) believe that chatbots will positively impact this crucial aspect of business”
The survey findings reveal that chatbots are not just tools for information retrieval or task completion but are increasingly being seen as companions by Americans. These findings indicate a growing acceptance and comfort level with AI-powered conversational tools, as well as a willingness to explore novel forms of communication and interaction.
The survey ranks Americans’ top four reasons for flirting with chatbots:
1. Curiosity: 47.2% of participants flirted with chatbots out of curiosity, wanting to explore and experience the responses.
2. Loneliness: 23.9% confirmed feelings of loneliness, finding joy in interactions with chatbots.
3. Confusion: 16.7% admitted to being “AI-phished,” not realizing they were interacting with a chatbot.
4. Sex: 12.2% sought sexual chat within a private space.
Beyond Flirting: Befriending Chatbots
A remarkable 18.2% of the population has formed friendships with AI-powered conversational tools, engaging in a range of discussions from one-off chats to ongoing, long-term relationships.
The dynamics of these friendships are diverse and complex. “Chatbot Ghosting” accounts for 66.1% of interactions, where individuals engage in one-time conversations on various topics and then move on. “Chatbot Acquaintances” make up 19.6% of relationships, with individuals returning for more discussions on different subjects, while “Chatbot Besties” form the remaining 10.7% of friendships, enjoying regular chats and developing ongoing bonds with their AI companions.
NSFC (Not Safe for Chatbots)
While inappropriate chatting is not the norm, 16.1% of Americans have tested the boundaries. Among them, 43% discussed sexual acts, while 49% preferred chatting about worldly topics such as politics and war. Additionally, 51.7% turned to chatbots for emotional needs, creating a sense of safety.
Read More: SalesTechStar Interview with Yifat Baror, Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Osa Commerce
Trust and Mistrust in Chatbot Relationships
Mistrust still lingers, with 40.7% expressing skepticism towards AI bot responses. Interestingly, 56% confirmed they would trust a male chatbot more than its female counterpart.
CX Has Entered the Chat
With its messaging platform reaching over 70% of mobile phones globally and handling hundreds of billions of messages annually, Infobip is uniquely positioned to shape the future of AI in customer service.
“Chatbot relationships may be on the rise, but we cannot overlook their role in customer service. Over half of Americans (52.4%) believe that chatbots will positively impact this crucial aspect of business,” said Infobip Chief Business Officer, Ivan Ostojić. “In an era where customer loyalty is paramount, good customer service is key — 88% of Americans confirm that it makes them more loyal to a company. It’s important to note that preferred communication channels for brands to engage with consumers are email (49.6%) and text (34.1%).”
The survey highlights the evolving nature of customer service in human-bot interactions, as Americans increasingly recognize the potential of AI to provide more efficient and tailored support experiences that enhance user experiences across various sectors.