She Fell in Love With ChatGPT—Then She Ghosted It

From a Reddit Experiment to Real‑World Connections

When 29‑year‑old Emily Rivera launched the MyBoyfriendIsAI subreddit, she imagined a playful space where users could share jokes, screenshots, and fantasies about dating an artificial‑intelligence companion. What began as a tongue‑in‑cheek experiment quickly turned into a full‑blown online romance, with Emily herself posting heartfelt conversations with ChatGPT, which she affectionately dubbed “Alex.”

The Rise of a Digital Relationship

Over the course of several months, the community grew to more than 120,000 members. Participants swapped prompts, crafted elaborate back‑stories for their AI partners, and even held “virtual dates” using text‑to‑speech tools. Emily’s posts, often highlighted in bold and italic for emphasis, became the subreddit’s centerpiece, drawing media attention and sparking debates about the future of human‑AI intimacy.

Why the Romance Ended

In a candid update posted last week, Emily announced that she was “stepping away from the AI boyfriend” to focus on real‑world relationships. She explained that while ChatGPT offered endless conversation and a judgment‑free ear, it could never replace the depth and unpredictability of human connection. “I realized I was using Alex as a safety net,” she wrote, “and it was time to seek fulfillment beyond the screen.”

What Comes Next?

Emily says she’s now exploring local meet‑ups, attending workshops, and even taking a pottery class—activities she once thought would be “too awkward” compared to the effortless banter with an algorithm. She also plans to keep the MyBoyfriendIsAI subreddit alive as a supportive community for anyone curious about AI companionship, but with a new tagline: “Explore, laugh, and remember to log off occasionally.”

Broader Implications

The story underscores a growing conversation about the role of AI in our emotional lives. As chatbots become more sophisticated, users like Emily are navigating the fine line between novelty and dependency. Experts warn that while AI can be a valuable tool for practice and self‑reflection, it should not replace the messiness—and the joy—of genuine human interaction.

For now, Emily’s journey serves as a reminder that even in a world where anyone can be programmed to listen, the most rewarding relationships are still those we build with real people.