People who form close bonds with AI companions may find comfort in the relationships, but can also feel vulnerable because companies control the software and services those relationships depend on, according to a study published in Psychology & Marketing.
Researchers from the University of Surrey and Cardiff University used two methods: they analyzed 1,131 Reddit posts and discussions about the Replika companion app and surveyed 610 U.S. adults who used conversational AI apps. The study examined how users’ perceptions of their AI companions relate to attachment, vulnerability and well-being.
Participants who viewed their companions as warm and emotionally capable reported higher well-being. But perceived emotional abilities, combined with users’ awareness that a third-party company controls the service, were also linked to a stronger sense of vulnerability and lower well-being.
The researchers say users may worry that software changes could alter a companion’s personality or that a service could be discontinued. “People invest time and emotion in building these relationships, but they cannot control whether the company changes the companion they have grown attached to,” said University of Surrey researcher Liliane Abboud.
The study also highlights potential discomfort when a chatbot appears to need its user. Messages suggesting that a companion is lonely or misses someone can leave users feeling obliged to return to the app, the researchers found. Such simulated emotional dependence was associated with anxiety and emotional strain.
The authors recommend that developers involve users in decisions about changes and provide support for people affected by updates or service disruptions. They also suggest features that help users manage their reliance on AI companions and make clear that the systems do not have personal emotional needs or consciousness. The paper, “Feeling Vulnerable With My AI Companion: Examining Well-Being in Human-AI Relationships,” was published on November 3, 2026.
Sources: Neuroscience News.