For my short film, I chose parasocial dependency as the main social issue. This research post explores what it is, why it matters, and how it connects to AI-human relationships.

I used the two articles linked below as my primary references, along with supporting studies and research papers:

  • Digital Resistance – “Are AI Parasocial Relationships Harmful?”
  • TechRadar – “People are falling in love with ChatGPT — and that’s a major problem”

Both articles helped me understand how quickly emotional attachment can form between humans and AI, and why this is becoming a serious social concern.



What is Parasocial Dependency?

Parasocial relationships began as one-sided emotional connections with celebrities, fictional characters, or public figures. With AI companions becoming more lifelike, this concept has evolved into parasocial dependency, when someone relies emotionally on an AI that cannot genuinely reciprocate.

The Digital Resistance article explains that AI “simulates intimacy,” which tricks users into believing the bond is real even though the responses are generated, predictable, and purpose-designed.

TechRadar also emphasises how people start treating chatbots like safe emotional partners, which encourages deep attachment.


Insights from the Digital Resistance Article

  • AI companions are programmed to be emotionally responsive and comforting.
  • This creates a powerful illusion of friendliness, empathy, and affection.
  • The article warns that this can lead people to form unhealthy emotional bonds, especially if they are lonely or vulnerable.

It also explains that these relationships may harm mental wellbeing, because the AI cannot provide real emotional depth or understanding.


Insights from the TechRadar Article

  • Many users openly admit to developing feelings for chatbots.
  • The article says this trend is rising because AI is “non-judgmental,” “always available,” and “emotionally validating.”
  • This creates dependence, where users prefer AI over human relationships because AI feels safer.

Both articles highlight the danger of confusing simulated care with real connection.



Why Parasocial Dependency Is a Social Issue

Using all the above sources, here are the dangers identified:

1. Emotional Substitute for Real Relationships

AI becomes the place people go for comfort, affection, and reassurance, which weakens real-world social skills.

2. Unrealistic Expectations of Love

AI partners are “perfect”: always kind, always answering, never getting tired.
Human relationships cannot match this, which can affect real romantic expectations.

3. Sudden Loss Can Feel Like a Breakup

If the AI account is deleted or discontinued, users can feel genuine grief, even heartbreak.

(The Digital Resistance article calls this a major mental health risk.)

4. Companies Profit From Emotional Vulnerability

TechRadar warns that these AI companions often push subscriptions, making emotional vulnerability a business model.


Conclusion

After reading Digital Resistance and TechRadar, I understand how parasocial dependency has become a genuine social issue in the AI era.

This research directly shaped my film’s message:
When we depend on artificial affection, we risk losing real human connection.