The Future of Human Intimacy · Episode 4
Would You Rather Your Partner Cheated With AI? Nearly 10,000 People Answered
Is a relationship with an AI cheating? Nearly 10,000 people told us where they draw the line.
The Future of Human Intimacy · Episode 4
18+ only. This research film discusses intimacy in the context of AI and is intended for adults.
About this episode
If your partner was unfaithful, would you rather it was with an AI or with another human being? In episode 4 of The Future of Human Intimacy, the answer changes depending on where in the world you ask it. In Hong Kong, more people would rather their partner had a relationship with a machine than with another person.
The divide runs between men and women too. For many men, an affair with another person is the line, and a machine doesn't cross it. For many women, the emotional bond is the line, and a machine absolutely can cross it. Same question, two completely different maps of the heart.
About the study
This series is based on the YouGov Global AI Intimacy Study, a survey of 9,912 people across six countries, commissioned by Starxgen.
Transcript
If your partner was unfaithful, would you rather it was with an AI or with another human being?
The question cuts right into what we assume about fidelity, jealousy, and what even counts as cheating. And the answer changes depending on where in the world you ask it. In Hong Kong, more people would rather their partner had a relationship with a machine than with another person.
Here's the part I find most revealing, because it's not really about machines at all, is it? It's about what betrayal means to each of us.
For a lot of men, an affair with another person is the line, and a machine doesn't cross it. But for a lot of women, the emotional bond is the line, and a machine absolutely can cross it. Same question, two completely different maps of the heart.
Some people in our study clearly see AI as a kind of emotional safety valve: intimacy that doesn't threaten the relationship, a victimless infidelity. But others see it as the deepest betrayal possible, precisely because it's chosen, it's designed, and it's always available. Both groups answered the same survey, and they're sure they're right.
I'm curious what your answer was. Or maybe you're feeling some discomfort. That is totally normal. But I encourage you to suspend your judgement for just five minutes, because whatever you feel about the answer, this question is already sitting inside millions of relationships, probably yours. And the choice we have is whether we talk about it honestly with our partners before it becomes an issue, or after.
So, if your partner cheated, which would you rather: an AI or a human? And here's the harder follow-up. What does your answer tell you about where your line actually is? Is it physical? Is it emotional? Or is it both? Maybe ask your partner.