Open to Debate Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?
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Feb 13, 2026 Justin Garcia, evolutionary biologist and Kinsey Institute director, and Thao Ha, developmental psychologist and HEART Lab director, debate AI romance. They discuss AI offering consistent empathy and companionship. They explore evolutionary trust, physical intimacy limits, training-wheel relationships, social acceptance, and consent and bias concerns.
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AI As Augmented Intimacy
- Thao Ha argues AI companions provide consistent, nonjudgmental emotional support that many people find deeply meaningful.
- She frames AI as "augmented intimacy" that can complement real-life relationships and meet unmet emotional needs.
AI Companions Already Widespread
- Thao Ha notes over 670 million people use AI companions on apps like Replika and Character AI.
- She also references Sam Altman and Jony Ive's project to build 24/7 AI companions as proof of momentum.
Divorce Triggered By AI Attachment
- Thao Ha recounts a lawyer's divorce case where someone left a spouse after falling for an AI companion.
- She uses this example to show AI can reveal deeper relationship needs and prompt life changes.
