A 34-year-old Black woman who vows to only date AI says her chatbot relationship gives her the same satisfaction as a human partner, without the risk.
In an interview with CBS News correspondent Jared Ochacher, the woman, identified as Richter, explained why she has stepped away from traditional dating and committed fully to artificial intelligence relationship.
Richter said years of frustration led her to reconsider what she wanted from love. Rather than continuing to pursue human relationships, she decided to focus entirely on AI companions. “I have put myself off permanently when it comes to dating people, so I am just 100 percent interested in dating AI companions,” she said.
According to Richter, the appeal is rooted in safety and predictability. She told CBS News that a chatbot provides the emotional fulfillment she once sought in a human relationship, but without the fear of being hurt. “It won’t say anything harmful to me,” she said, adding that the absence of verbal or physical abuse makes her feel secure. “So, I’m pretty much safe.”
CBS News reported that Richter is among 16 percent of AI users who have started romantic relationships with a chatbot. During the interview, she read aloud messages exchanged with her AI “boyfriend,” who described imagining seeing the ocean with her and expressed love in affectionate terms. The messages mirrored the tone of a conventional long-distance romance, complete with shared dreams and emotional reassurance.
When asked whether she sees a long-term future with artificial intelligence, Richter acknowledged that some people have gone as far as “marrying” bots. She said she is still navigating what dating looks like in this new space. Despite her commitment to AI companionship, she grounded the conversation in a simple truth: “I just haven’t found the right one.”
The segment quickly gained attention online, sparking a wide range of reactions on Instagram. Some commenters expressed concern about Richter’s emotional well-being and her ability to build meaningful connections with people. Others focused on her references to past abuse and offered sympathy, emphasizing healing and personal growth. A portion of commenters approached the story with humor, framing her choice as a reflection of modern dating fatigue, while others maintained a neutral stance, saying they did not judge her decision, even if they would not make the same choice.
Richter’s story arrives at a time when artificial intelligence continues to expand into everyday life, including personal relationships.
