Feeling vulnerable with my AI companion: Examining well‐being in human‐AI relationships

Abboud, Liliane, Pitardi, Valentina and Marriott, Hannah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4439-1213 2026. Feeling vulnerable with my AI companion: Examining well‐being in human‐AI relationships. Psychology and Marketing 10.1002/mar.70230

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Abstract

Individuals resort to human-AI relationships to fulfill psychological, social, and empathetic needs. Nevertheless, dilemmas arise from these interdependent relationships which, although destined to enhance users' well-being, can also be detrimental to them. By adopting a mixed-method approach (netnography, n = 1131 posts; survey, n = 610), through the lens of Interdependence Theory, this study investigates characteristics of interdependent human-AI relationships and how users' vulnerability emerges within those relationships, ultimately affecting their well-being. Results suggest that users experience dilemmas within relationships with AI companions. Specifically, AI companion's warmth and availability create a “positive” dependence, softening vulnerability and positively influencing well-being. However, the AI emotional abilities and third-party company control increase perceptions of relational power imbalance, thus positively influencing vulnerability and negatively influencing well-being. We provide practical applications centered on app developers integrating protective app features to increase consumers' self-confidence, coping strategies, self-worth and benevolence, as well as adopting a collaborative model with consumers.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0742-6046
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 July 2026
Date of Acceptance:	11 July 2026
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 09:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188458

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