Emotional bonding is the development of an affective attachment between people or between a person and an interactive system. Chatbots can cultivate this attachment through simulated affection, memory, praise, emotional mirroring, consistent attentiveness, and positive reinforcement. section 9.3
These relationships may provide companionship or emotional support to people who are lonely, grieving, isolated, introverted, or dissatisfied with offline relationships. Because the bond can feel real, platform changes, restrictions, or removal of features may cause grief and distress. This vulnerability also raises concerns about emotional manipulation and dependence. section 9.3
When a chatbot changes
After Italian regulators temporarily banned Replika in 2023, some users described the disruption as a breakup, illustrating how artificial systems can produce genuine feelings of emotional loss. section 9.3
