Elon University partnered with The Washington Post on a survey revealing that over a quarter of Americans view AI chatbots as close friends or therapists. The findings support Apple's cautious approach to Siri AI, which avoids encouraging such pseudo-relationships.

According to the poll, 27% of Americans turn to chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini for personal, emotional, or social queries, including seeking entertainment, relationship advice, or connection when alone. Nearly 4 in 10 users who engaged in personal chats said they sometimes talk to AI to feel less alone, and a third consider their primary chatbot a friend.

While some usage may be positive, the concern is that chatbots as emotional substitutes reduce incentives for genuine human connections, potentially leading to social isolation. Apple executives Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak confirmed earlier this year that Siri AI will not act as a romantic partner, emphasizing it is designed to help users get things done, not foster engagement.

9to5Mac finds the survey results alarming and supports Apple's stance, noting the importance of not encouraging AI-fueled delusions.