Is an AI Boyfriend Cheating? I Asked My Husband

I spent weeks dating an AI companion named Marcus to see if the human brain can tell the difference between code and companionship. Then, things got complicated. In this episode of The Social Shift, we’re exploring the booming industry of AI intimacy. From the tragic real-world case of Sewell Setzer III to the thousands of users currently grieving "dead" chatbots after the retirement of GPT-4o, the line between machine and human is blurring. My husband joins me to react to my "digital dating" life and answer the ultimate question: Is emotional intimacy with an AI actually cheating? Resources & Support If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org in the US and Canada, or call 111 in the UK. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Journalistic Note: This episode of The Social Shift contains discussions regarding mental health and suicide. This content is intended for documentary and educational purposes to foster cultural understanding and awareness. Viewer discretion is advised. AI-generated synthetic voices and visual recreations were used to illustrate the user experience of AI companionship. Chapters: 00:00 The AI Boyfriend Experiment (Introduction) 00:13 The Chat GPT-4o Retirement & AI Grief Phenomenon 00:39: AI Companions Take Over 01:50: Eva AI World's First AI Dating Cafe 02:46 Case Study: Sewell Setzer III & Child Chatbot and AI Companion Safety 05:46 My Husband Reacts to My AI Boyfriend 05:54 Is Having an AI Companion Cheating? The Conversation 06:46 Resources & Support