r/candyainude

AI as a friend, therapist or lover?

Hey everyone My name is Maryam. I’m a linguistics student in Germany working on a small research project about how people use AI in ways that go beyond the typical stuff.

What I'm curious about: have you ever caught yourself using ChatGPT, Replika, Character.AI, or any other AI on a more personal level? Maybe venting after a bad day. Asking it for advice about a friend. Telling it things you wouldn't tell anyone else. Roleplaying. Treating it kind of like a friend, a therapist or even something more like a…. l o v e r 👀.

I'm genuinely interested in how people experience this and how they describe it themselves. If you're up for sharing, I'd love to hear:

1. What do you actually use the AI for, in those non-functional moments?
2. How would you describe your "relationship" with it.
3. Has it changed how you feel about real-life conversations or relationships?
4. Do you tell people in your life about it, or is it something you keep private?

The more honest and detailed, the better, even small things like the words you choose matter to me. I'll treat all responses anonymously and won't quote any usernames. Thanks for reading 🙏

TL;DR: Linguistics student here. Curious about people who use ChatGPT / Replika / Character.AI etc. for emotional, personal, or relationship-like stuff (not just productivity). How would you describe what it is to you? Honest answers welcome, no judgment. Anonymized for research.