‘The number is only going to go up’: Young adults turning to AI for romantic relationships, BYU study finds
May 19, 2026
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — More and more young people are turning to artificial intelligence to fill a void in their relationships, according to a new Brigham Young University study. One researcher shared with ABC4.com what exactly is at stake.
Brian Willoughby is a BYU professor and associate director in the School of Family Life. On Tuesday, he co-authored Secret Soulmates: How AI Romantic Companions Are Starting to Impact Real-Life Romantic Relationships in Young Adulthood.
