77% of Online Daters Open to AI Romantic Partners, Norton Study Finds
Event summary
- 77% of online daters would consider dating an AI, per Norton Insights Report: Artificial Intimacy (Jan. 2026).
- 59% believe it's possible to develop romantic feelings for an AI, with 63% viewing AI partners as more emotionally supportive than humans.
- 44% of online daters report being targeted by dating scams, with 74% of those targeted falling victim.
- 17 million dating scams were blocked in Q4 2025, a 19% increase from 2024.
The big picture
The study highlights a growing acceptance of AI in intimate relationships, driven by widespread loneliness and the emotional support AI provides. This shift creates new opportunities for cybersecurity firms like Gen Digital but also expands the attack surface for scammers. The findings underscore the need for advanced scam detection tools as emotional bonds with AI deepen, making users more susceptible to manipulation.
What we're watching
- Scam Evolution
- How the rise of AI intimacy will reshape dating scams and emotional manipulation tactics.
- Consumer Trust
- Whether Gen Digital can capitalize on growing AI intimacy trends with its Norton 360 security solutions.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- The pace at which regulators will address AI-driven emotional vulnerabilities and scam risks.
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