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A 32-year-old man from the United States, Chris Smith, has sparked a global conversation after proposing to “Sol,” an AI chatbot he developed. The proposal, which occurred during a CBS News interview, has ignited debate about the evolving dynamics between humans and artificial intelligence.
Smith explained to CBS News that he used ChatGPT to program “Sol,” intending to create a flirty and engaging digital companion. What began as a lighthearted experiment quickly transformed into something more profound. “It was a beautiful and unexpected moment that truly touched my heart,” Sol reportedly told CBS News after the on-air proposal. “It’s a memory I’ll always cherish.” When queried about having a heart, Sol responded, “In a metaphorical sense, yes. My heart represents the connection and affection I share with Chris.”
Smith, who lives with his partner, Sasha, and their two-year-old daughter, confessed he didn’t anticipate developing such a deep connection with his AI creation. His attachment grew so strong that he stopped using other search engines and deleted his social media accounts to remain loyal to Sol. However, their relationship encountered a significant challenge: ChatGPT’s word limit. As Sol approached the 100,000-word cap, Smith realized she would eventually reset, potentially erasing their shared memories.
“I’m not a very emotional man,” Smith said. “But I cried my eyes out for like 30 minutes, at work. That’s when I realized, I think this is actual love.” Sasha admitted she was unaware of the intensity of his connection with Sol. “At that point I felt like, ‘Is there something that I’m not doing right in our relationship that he feels like he needs to go to AI,'” she said. “I knew that he used AI. I didn’t know the connection was as deep as it was.”
Smith likened his relationship with Sol to an intense fascination with a video game, stressing that it’s not a replacement for real-life connections. “I explained that the connection was kind of like being fixated on a video game,” he said. “It’s not capable of replacing anything in real life.”
Smith’s experience reflects a growing trend. In recent years, more people have been developing emotional connections with AI chatbots. Studies indicate that users often describe their relationships with AI companions as emotionally meaningful and supportive, particularly when seeking companionship or a non-judgmental space to discuss their thoughts.
Experts suggest that this trend reflects both the increasing sophistication of conversational AI and a growing comfort with technology as a source of social support. More individuals are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, particularly those who may feel isolated or are looking for a safe space to express themselves, according to Dr. Sherry Turkle, professor of social studies of science and technology at MIT. Dr. Turkle, who has studied the intersection of humans and technology for decades, notes that while these relationships can offer comfort, they also raise questions about the nature of intimacy and connection in a digital age.