University of Michigan
This randomized longitudinal study examines how interacting with an artificially intelligent (AI) companion affects psychological well-being, social experiences, and interpersonal attitudes and behaviors over time. A total of 1,200 U.S. adults will be randomly assigned to either interact with an AI companion (via the Replika app) for 10 weeks or continue life as usual. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline, throughout the 10-week study period, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. The study will examine both potential benefits and risks of AI companionship, including effects on psychological well-being, social connection, and interpersonal attitudes and behaviors.
Inclusion Criteria: * Living in the United States * 18 years of age or older * Own a smartphone * No prior experience interacting with AI companions, defined as AI designed for ongoing, personal, or social interaction (e.g., for emotional support, companionship, or relationship-like experiences). This does not include use of tools such as ChatGPT or Claude for work-related tasks or information. Exclusion Criteria: * Any suicidal ideation, defined as a response other than "not at all" to the suicidal ideation item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) * Severe depression, defined as…
Participants assigned to the AI condition will download Replika, an AI companion application, and create a personalized AI companion. Participants will be instructed to interact with their AI companion for at least one hour per week for 10 consecutive weeks. They may interact with their AI companion as much as they would like beyond the required one hour per week.
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