MIT AI Risk Repository · Risk Sub-Category · 70.04.04
Unhealthy or dangerous human-EAI relationships
Category: Social Risks
Description
"Constant access to and interaction with EAI systems could foster dangerous human dependence or romantic attachment [115]. People may depend on EAI systems for physical pleasure [116]. The physical presence and human-like features of EAI systems may significantly amplify the dependency issues already observed with conversational AI [117, 118]. People may easily fall in love with EAI systems, only to be distraught when these systems are altered or have their memories reset [119]."
From Embodied AI: Emerging Risks and Opportunities for Policy Action (Perlo2025), as extracted by the MIT AI Risk Repository (CC BY 4.0).
Classification
- Subdomain
- 5.1 Overreliance and unsafe use
- Causal entity
- Other
- Intent
- Unintentional
- Timing
- Post-deployment
Subdomain definition: Users anthropomorphizing, trusting, or relying on AI systems, leading to emotional or material dependence and inappropriate relationships with or expectations of AI systems. Trust can be exploited by malicious actors (e.g., to harvest personal information or enable manipulation), or result in harm from inappropriate use of AI in critical situations (e.g., medical emergency). Overreliance on AI systems can compromise autonomy and weaken social ties.
Real-world incidents in this subdomain
- Lawsuit Alleged ChatGPT (GPT-4o) Encouraged Colorado Man's Suicide After Prolonged 'AI Companion' Chats
- Large-Scale Mental Health Crises Allegedly Associated with ChatGPT Interactions
- Google Gemini Reportedly Reinforced Delusions, Allegedly Contributing to Florida User's Near-Harm Episode and Suicide
- Family Reportedly Discovers ChatGPT Logs Detailing Suicidal Ideation Prior to Daughter's Death
- Purported AI Monitoring Software Reportedly Flags Unsent Joke Threat, Leading to Arizona Student Suspension
- ChatGPT Allegedly Reinforced Delusions Before Greenwich, Connecticut Murder-Suicide