Abstract

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, romantic AI companions--AI systems designed to simulate romantic, emotional, or sexual relationships--have emerged as a novel relational phenomenon. Nearly one in four emerging adults now engage with romantic AI companions, yet little is known about how this usage affects their romantic human relationships. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and the Investment Model of Commitment, and employing structural equation modeling, this thesis uses data from 2,431 emerging adults in romantic relationships to examine whether romantic AI companion usage influences relationship satisfaction and relationship stability among emerging adults in the United States (ages 18-30), and whether perceived realism moderates these associations. Results revealed significant associations, with romantic AI companion usage negatively associated with relationship stability, and perceived realism significantly moderating this effect. The direct effects between romantic AI companion usage and relationship satisfaction were not significant with significance only emerging with high levels of perceived realism, suggesting complex relational dynamics that warrant further research. These findings contribute to understanding how emerging technologies reshape romantic relationship dynamics during a critical developmental period, informing interventions to support healthy relationship development in an increasingly digital relational landscape.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2026-04-21

Document Type

Thesis

Keywords

companionate ai, artificial intelligence, emerging adulthood, relationship outcomes

Language

english

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