Forty-six per cent of Indians say intimacy with artificial intelligence feels addictive, comparable to pornography.
That finding comes from a Gleeden–IPSOS survey conducted among 1,500 respondents across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India. The study examines how AI is reshaping dating, emotional connection and infidelity in modern Indian relationships.
The results suggest that AI is no longer just a digital assistant. It is becoming an intimate presence. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said their use of AI for emotional or sexual interaction felt addictive, similar to pornography.
AI is becoming an intimacy tool
The survey shows that AI is being used across multiple layers of personal life. Around 63% said they have used AI to improve their seduction skills or enhance dating interactions, while 60% turned to it for sexual advice or counselling-style guidance. Another 64% reported using AI to navigate relationship challenges with their partner.
Beyond advice, engagement has become more direct: 54% said they had set up a virtual AI partner for sexual interaction, and 58% used AI for romantic or affectionate exchanges such as messages, kisses or companionship. Together, these findings indicate that AI is no longer operating in the background — it has become an active participant in emotional and sexual spaces.
When AI intimacy meets real-world morality
The findings also point to a clear cultural tension.
While 49% of respondents admitted to choosing intimacy with AI over sex with their partner at least once, a majority (65%) still believe erotic AI interaction counts as cheating. Nearly 70% said they would be shocked to learn their partner engaged in AI erotic exchanges, and roughly the same proportion said they would not feel comfortable sharing their AI chat history.
The deepfake concern
Another notable finding: 49% of respondents reported creating deepfake images involving celebrities or known individuals.
Unlike AI intimacy, which often remains private, deepfakes raise legal and ethical questions around consent, exploitation and digital boundaries. The trend highlights how quickly technological capability can move ahead of regulation and social norms.
Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager for Gleeden India, says, “We see an emotional change occurring as AI becomes not just a functional tool but also a place where people can seek validation, make fantasy, or find comfort. Many people are exploring this new world in secret, feeling guilty and curious at the same time, and yet many of these people feel their partner has been unfaithful for doing the same thing.”
She adds, “It is not if AI will change our relationships, but in what way, how much will be affected, and how will these changes affect our emotional connections?”
