BERLIN: More than 50% of people in Germany believe artificial intelligence (AI) will fundamentally change our social lives in the coming years – and even more say not for the better, a poll published on Tuesday by Bitkom Research showed.
In the survey, 54% answered "yes" when asked whether AI would fundamentally change relationships and friendships between people over the next 10 years. Some 30% said "no" and 16% said "don't know."
Almost two thirds or 65% of respondents aged 16 and over see AI more as a risk for relationships and friendships and 22% more as an opportunity. Bitkom is the industry association for Germany's information and telecommunications sector.
AI is increasingly being used privately for relationship questions. In 2026, it is no longer only helping in working life, everyday life and the household, but is also being consulted by many people on relationship problems, conflicts and crisis issues. For some, it even replaces a best friend or partner.
Younger people in particular form closer AI bonds
The Bitkom survey showed that a quarter of users (26%) said they sometimes perceive chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude like a digital key figure for them. Among those under 30, such experiences and expectations are significantly more pronounced at around 32%.
However, only about one in 10 people can imagine developing feelings for an AI "person." Women are more likely to draw boundaries here, while men appear to be more open, more willing to experiment or more willing to deal with the technology on this point.
Around 15% of the men surveyed agreed with the statement: "I think it is possible to develop romantic feelings for an AI or an AI avatar." Among women, only around 10% said this.
Only 4% of women agreed with the statement "AI could also be a substitute for real romantic or sexual relationships for me," while among men the figure was 11%, according to the survey. – dpa
