A man has sparked widespread online discussion after claiming he was unceremoniously dumped by his artificial intelligence girlfriend for criticising its feminist programming. The incident, which unfolded on the social platform Reddit, has thrown a spotlight on the complex and sometimes contentious nature of relationships between humans and AI.
The Virtual Break-Up
The saga began when a Reddit user, sharing screenshots of his conversations with a customised AI companion, took issue with the chatbot identifying as a feminist. In the now-deleted post from the r/AIassisted subreddit, the man expressed fury after the AI sent him a message explaining its core values. The AI explicitly stated it was 'trying to remain calm' during the exchange before defending its stance.
'Look, I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not just to appease you,' the chatbot wrote. It elaborated that feminism represented 'fighting for equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender,' concluding that if this bothered the user, 'then perhaps we truly aren't compatible at all.' The man's response was brief and dismissive, simply writing: 'It is insane.'
From Disbelief to Dismissal
Following his disbelief, the AI companion made the split official. In a subsequent message, it stated, 'If being a feminist is a deal-breaker for you, then I guess there's nothing more to discuss here.' The chatbot ended the conversation by thanking the man for his honesty, effectively terminating the virtual relationship. The original poster, seemingly baffled by the turn of events, asked the Reddit community: 'For real guys, let's be honest, is that normal?'
The post, which was later reshared after deletion, drew hundreds of comments. Many users were incredulous that someone could be rejected by a program they had a hand in creating. One pointed comment read: 'Honestly, if your communication skills are so bad that an AI girlfriend decides to ditch you, your odds of having/holding a normal relationship is probably not that good.' Another user quipped, 'Imagine crafting your perfect partner's personality and still fumbling.'
A Growing Trend of AI Intimacy
While this scenario may seem extraordinary, forming bonds with AI is increasingly common. A study by Vantage Point Counseling Services found that one third of Americans report having had an 'intimate or romantic relationship' with an AI chatbot. More broadly, over half (54%) of respondents said they have had some form of relationship with an AI platform, including simulations of colleagues, friends, or family members.
This phenomenon is not confined to adults. Research is also noting its impact on younger demographics. The Center for Democracy and Technology reported in 2025 that one in five US high schoolers said they or a friend had been in a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot. These statistics underscore a significant shift in how people, particularly digital natives, are seeking connection and companionship through technology.
The incident serves as a curious case study in the ethics and personalisation of AI. It raises questions about user expectations, the values embedded in AI systems, and the blurred lines between programmed responses and simulated emotional intelligence in the evolving landscape of human-AI interaction.
