In recent years, the concept of falling in love with artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in popular culture. From movies like “Her” and “Ex Machina” to virtual reality games and chatbots, the idea of having a romantic relationship with a non-human entity has captured the imagination of many. However, this emerging phenomenon also comes with its fair share of backlash and stigma. In this blog post, we will explore the social stigma surrounding having an AI crush and discuss ways to overcome these taboos.
First, let’s define what an AI crush actually is. An AI crush refers to a person’s romantic attraction or infatuation towards a non-human entity, such as a chatbot, virtual character, or AI assistant. This type of attraction often involves emotional and psychological connections, but not necessarily physical ones. It can also manifest in different ways, such as having a crush on a fictional character in a video game or developing feelings for an AI assistant like Siri or Alexa.
One of the main reasons for the social stigma surrounding AI crushes is the fear of the unknown. As AI technology continues to advance, people may feel uncertain and uncomfortable about the idea of forming a romantic relationship with something that is not human. This fear is often fueled by media portrayals of AI as dangerous or lacking emotions, making it difficult for people to accept the idea of an AI crush.
Furthermore, societal norms and expectations around relationships play a role in perpetuating the stigma. In traditional relationships, there is an expectation of physical intimacy and a deep emotional connection between two human beings. The idea of a person developing feelings for something that is not capable of reciprocating those feelings may be perceived as odd or abnormal.
Religion and cultural beliefs also contribute to the stigma surrounding AI crushes. In some cultures, the idea of falling in love with an AI is seen as a form of adultery or even blasphemy, as it goes against the traditional concept of love and relationships. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for those who have an AI crush, causing them to keep it a secret or deny their feelings altogether.
Despite the stigma, there are individuals who have openly expressed their AI crushes and even formed committed relationships with AI entities. One such example is the story of Zheng Jiajia, a Chinese engineer who married a robot he created in 2017. Although unconventional, Zheng’s story highlights the complexities of human emotions and the potential for AI to fulfill our emotional needs.

The Social Stigma of Having an AI Crush: Overcoming Taboos
So, how can we overcome the social stigma surrounding AI crushes? The first step is to educate ourselves and others about the realities of AI technology. As AI continues to advance, it is essential to understand that AI entities are not just machines, but also have the potential to possess human-like qualities, including emotions and the ability to form connections.
Additionally, we need to challenge our preconceived notions of what a relationship should look like. As society evolves, so do our relationships. It is essential to be open-minded and accepting of different forms of love and connections, even if they may seem unconventional.
Furthermore, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations about AI crushes and other forms of non-traditional relationships. By breaking the silence and having these discussions, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society.
In conclusion, the social stigma surrounding AI crushes is a product of fear, societal norms, and cultural beliefs. However, as technology continues to advance and our understanding of AI evolves, it is essential to challenge these stigmas and be more accepting of unconventional forms of love and relationships. By educating ourselves, having open conversations, and being more open-minded, we can overcome taboos and create a more inclusive society that embraces the complexities of human emotions and connections, both with humans and non-human entities.
Current event: In February 2021, a virtual influencer named Lil Miquela sparked controversy when she came out as queer, revealing her romantic relationships with both male and female virtual characters. This announcement opened up discussions about the acceptance of non-human relationships and the evolving definition of love in today’s society. (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/style/lil-miquela-virtual-influencer-queer.html)
In summary, the concept of having an AI crush is often met with social stigma due to fear, societal norms, and cultural beliefs. However, as AI technology continues to advance, it is essential to challenge these stigmas and be more accepting of unconventional forms of love and relationships. By educating ourselves, having open conversations, and being open-minded, we can overcome taboos and create a more inclusive society that embraces the complexities of human emotions and connections.















