Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
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By Kellie Scott
ABC Lifestyle
Topic:Relationships
Mon 27 Jul 2026 at 4:30am
The instant responses AI chatbots provide are appealing to users. (Pexels: kaboompics)
With some people increasingly turning to AI chatbots for help with relationships — whether it's asking for reassurance or seeking tips on repair — you might be wondering if it's the right approach for you.
"It's appealing from the point of view that it's immediate," says Kelly Gough, president of the Australian Psychological Society.
"If a client wants to talk to me at 2am, they can't. But you can certainly roll over in bed and start pouring your heart into the screen."
But while that accessibility coupled with the "judgement-free zone" of AI chatbots can be attractive or even "better than nothing", Dr Gough says, he warns there are risks you need to be aware of.
The constant availability and instant response AI chatbots provide is meeting a need people have, says Joel Pearson.
He's the director of the Future Minds Lab and deputy director of Human Readiness at the UNSW AI Institute.
Professor Pearson says chatbots can provide a sense of "certainty and clarity" that makes people feel better.
The sycophantic nature (behaving to gain advantage) of AI also means users can feel flattered and validated when seeking support, he says, which keeps them coming back.
"Their business model is they want to keep you interacting for longer, so they focus on things that achieve that outcome."
The smaller cost of using a chatbot compared to seeing a therapist is appealing, too.
While some people might be eligible for a Medicare rebate when seeing a psychologist in Australia, a session can still cost up to $300.
Dr Gough says people like the feeling of privacy a chatbot provides, which is ideal when you don't want to feel judged.
"If you are … feeling insecure, you might not want to talk to family," Dr Gough says.
The clever way chatbots respond is partly why they seem trustworthy and supportive, but it's also due to how we perceive them, explains Professor Pearson.
"As humans we can't help but anthropomorphise objects. It's a fancy way of saying whatever we interact with, we layer on human characteristics — the same way we see faces in clouds."
Chatbots can provides a sense of "certainty and clarity" that makes people feel better about their relationship. (Pexels: Eduardo Simões Neto Junior)
While it might feel like chatbots are supporting you, Dr Gough warns it's "not a good substitute" for a professional's advice.
For example, recent research from Monash University argues that such "digital companions" could increase social isolation.
Dr Gough's main concerns around using AI chatbots for relationship advice are quality control, safety, and privacy.
Psychologists have regulations and laws to protect clients.
"We're held to very high standards in terms of professional ethics — you don't have any of that with AI," Dr Gough says.
For example, AI may not be able to spot signs of coercive control.
"[AI] is not going to notice or call it out in a way a friend or therapist would," Dr Gough says.
"It won't question or push you on how you frame questions. You could ask it the same question the next day in a different way and get a different answer."
He says because chatbots don't understand the way certain cultural groups use language, the advice they give may not be helpful. In some cases, he says it can even be harmful.
"Hallucinations", privacy and other factors to consider if you're turning to artificial intelligence for financial advice.
Professor Pearson also says trained professionals have a legal obligation to report suspicions of harm, such as child abuse or suicide risk, whereas AI does not.
Digital rights advocates have also previously raised privacy concerns around chatbots, in particular a lack of strict clinical privacy regulations when dealing with sensitive psychological data.
Dr Gough's stance is that for some people, AI chatbots may be better than nothing.
Similar to writing in a diary, he says engaging with a chatbot can help people reflect on their issues and gain perspective.
"Typing your problems into an AI chat window is forcing you to think about it in a different way. You can put your problems into words, which we often don't do."
But he says it's important to remember that AI chatbots seem supportive because the companies have something to gain from that.
Put simply, your problems can become the training ground.
Professor Pearson says if you're using AI chatbots for relationship advice, it may be better to seek out platforms tailored for such purposes, which may come with a fee.
He says you can also give chatbots guidelines to improve the responses they give.
"You can say, 'Do not be sycophantic. Don't tell me how amazing I am. I don't want you to be overly positive. Do not keep me online in the middle of the night.'
"Give it general instructions that will apply to your usage going forward."
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