NO SUCH THING Is dating an AI chatbot cheating?
Aug 20, 2025
Tatum Hunter, a tech reporter for The Washington Post specializing in AI companionship, joins the discussion on whether dating an AI chatbot counts as cheating. The conversation dives into emotional fidelity and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. They explore the humor and complexity of interactions with AI, sharing their own amusing experiences on a date with a chatbot. The dialogue challenges traditional notions of intimacy, revealing surprising emotional connections and shedding light on the implications for trust and fidelity in the digital age.
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Users Spend Major Time With Characters
- Character.ai and Replica users spend a lot of daily time with AI characters, sometimes more than average TikTok use.
- That engagement suggests these apps compete for attention similarly to major social platforms.
Users Defy Stereotypes
- The typical user contradicts stereotypes: many users skew young and a large share are women.
- Romantic chatbot use ties into existing habits like role‑play and fanfic, not just loneliness.
Tinder's AI Flirting Felt Biased
- Tatum tried Tinder's AI flirting game and found it trained users toward vulnerability and picked up internet biases.
- The game's feedback felt like real-world men who disliked sarcasm and rewarded emotional disclosure.