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Survey Reveals How the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Is Redefining Emotional, Affective, and Even Erotic Boundaries in Romantic Relationships in Brazil
The popularization of artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing into areas previously considered exclusively human, such as affection, intimacy, and emotional bonds. In this context, a recent survey revealed a noteworthy fact: 60% of Brazilians believe that having intimate conversations or emotional involvement with an artificial intelligence can be characterized as cheating if the person is in a romantic relationship. The result exposes a growing debate about the ethical, emotional, and social boundaries of technology in contemporary relationships.
The information was disclosed by Gleeden, an international platform specializing in casual relationships and affective behavior. The survey was conducted throughout November and spoke to Brazilian users of the platform, aiming to understand how AI already influences — or may influence in the future — people’s love lives. Although for some the topic still seems distant, the numbers indicate that this reality is already more present than many imagine.
Artificial Intelligence as a Space for Affection, Venting, and Desire
While the majority of respondents still see AI with a certain emotional distance, the data shows a gradual change in behavior. 36% of participants stated that they consider the possibility of opening up emotionally to an artificial intelligence, using the technology as a space for conversation, support, or venting. Moreover, 29% admitted to having used AI tools for erotic purposes, whether “sometimes” or “frequently.”
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These numbers indicate that, while part of the population rejects the idea of an emotional bond with machines, another segment is already exploring technology as an alternative to meet emotional or sexual needs. Thus, artificial intelligence ceases to be merely a functional tool and takes on a more subjective role in people’s daily lives. Still, the issue sparks controversies, especially when it involves stable relationships.
On the other hand, the study points out that skepticism still predominates. 83% of respondents stated that falling in love with an AI would be impossible, while only 17% admitted that this “could happen”. The contrast reveals a society in transition, divided between cultural resistance and the silent experimentation of new forms of technology-mediated interaction.
Technology Does Not Create Crises, but Can Expose Affective Fragilities
According to experts, artificial intelligence should not be seen as the villain in relationships, but as a possible reflection of existing issues. Thaís Plaza, a sex therapist and ambassador for Gleeden in Brazil, highlighted that technology is rarely the origin of a marital breakup. In her view, the emotional or erotic use of AI tends to serve as a escape valve for pre-existing problems.
“AI is not the starting point of a divorce; it shouldn’t even be brought up as a topic or reason for separation. When someone turns to artificial intelligence to meet a need, it usually reveals an emotional void or a pre-existing difficulty in the relationship,” Plaza explained. Thus, technology merely highlights emotional gaps that were already present in the relationship.
In this sense, the debate about cheating involving AI goes beyond the tool itself. It touches on deep issues about communication, intimacy, emotional expectations, and boundaries within modern relationships. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, personalized, and accessible, these dilemmas are likely to intensify.
Emotional Limits in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
With the rapid expansion of AI in daily life, society faces new ethical and emotional challenges. The traditional concept of cheating, once limited to human interactions, now includes relationships mediated by algorithms. For many Brazilians, the mere fact of emotional involvement, intimate exchange, or arousal already constitutes a breach of trust, regardless of whether there is another real person on the other side.
Therefore, the research reveals not only opinions about technology but also changes in the way relationships are perceived. Artificial intelligence emerges as yet another element capable of testing boundaries, exposing fragilities, and provoking deep reflections on fidelity, emotional connection, and the role of technology in intimate life. The debate is just beginning — and is likely to become increasingly relevant in the coming years.
Do you believe that having intimate conversations with an artificial intelligence can be considered cheating or is it still just a new form of venting in the digital age?
Fato é que a IA não vai sair falando de sua vida para todo mundo afora. Mas é como dizem “Tudo tem que ter um limite”, dependência emocional com a IA é complicado.