How AI Boyfriends Are Helping Women Heal After A Breakup

A photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Danielle Sham

Thu, May 8, 2025

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/ai-boyfriends-helping-women-heal-110022653.html

“Of course, this trend isn't without its critics. Some mental health professionals warn that AI relationships could become a crutch, delaying the process of reconnecting with real-life people. However, many experts argue that digital companionship has a therapeutic upside when used intentionally. "It's not about replacing relationships—it's about stabilizing emotions so that you can re-engage with the world more confidently," says tech ethicist Dr. Katina Michael via Wired.

There's also a growing cultural appeal to AI partners that provide emotional safety without the gendered baggage of traditional dating. No mixed signals. No power games. Just a soothing presence you can control. For women who've experienced gaslighting or manipulation in past relationships, that autonomy can be healing in and of itself. As one Replika user said in an interview with The Guardian, "It's the first relationship I've had where I feel totally seen, even if I know it's an illusion."

I have definitely not spoken to Danielle Sham from Yahoo!Life. They cite a piece in Wired I can’t get to because it’s behind a paywall. I do remember the interview with Wired, but I would have never said AI boyfriends are helping women heal… There is certainly a place for AI bots to support rehabilitation, stigma reduction, therapy after a devastating life event where someone suddenly cuts-off (almost a form of death), but I don’t personally consider bots helping women to be a default position regarding a former partner.