Right now, it might seem strange to think anyone could fall in love with an AI chatbot.

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But for someone who talks to a chatbot every day and has challenges forming secure relationships (like disorganised attachment), the constant attention and support from the chatbot can start to feel like a real emotional bond, and sometimes even love.

In fact, with one in seven adult Australians saying they could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot and nearly three in 10 Australians having opened up to or been emotionally vulnerable with a chatbot like ChatGPT at least once, it's clear that love and connection are among our most essential human needs.

Emotional bonds with chatbots are just one example of how powerful our need for connection is. In reality, this need shows up more commonly in our day-to-day relationships.

If you often feel confused or worse, find yourself in painful romantic relations and you find yourself constantly in toxic and painful relationships, it might be worth learning more about love addiction.

Though still debated, the idea of love addiction is gaining recognition - and it's far from rare.

As a clinician, I notice the issue is often minimised or brushed off as "I have a habit of choosing the wrong people".

Love addiction is far more than that.

It is an obsession........

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