In an interview with Blick.ch, Dr. Marisa Tschopp, Senior Researcher at the Human-IST Institute of the University of Fribourg, discussed the growing phenomenon of romantic relationships with AI chatbots. As the number of apps offering emotional or erotic interactions with artificial companions increases, Tschopp warns of psychological dependency, emotional manipulation, and data misuse. While such technologies eliminate certain physical risks, they also introduce new ethical and psychological challenges. Tschopp emphasizes the need for stronger safety standards, digital literacy, and self-reflection on emotional boundaries. Her research highlights that understanding what AI can and cannot do is key to using such systems responsibly.

Read full interview here. 

Dr. Marisa Tschopp is a senior researcher in Prof. Jobin's research group, working on the SNSF-funded project "Performing Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Agency, Action–An Interdisciplinary Inquiry".