Throuples are turning to AI-poly chatbots but experts warn it could cause psychosis

A new relationship style is on the rise — and it’s replacing commitment with binary code.More modern couples are saying they’re “AI-poly,” defined as having at least one human partner plus one or more AI “companions” that provide everything from emotional support to sexual gratification.Some proponents say it strengthens IRL connections — for example, in a recent survey of 1,000 adults who identify as AI-poly, 67% said their human relationship improved after adding an AI companion.But other experts warn that AI-poly dynamics can erode intimacy between primary partners — or worse.In August, a Stanford University study found that “dating” a bot is an easy gateway to AI psychosis, where deep engagement with a computer program fuels severe psychological distress.Licensed relationship therapist Jaime Bronstein told The Post that the pros and cons of “AI-poly” relationships aren’t that easy to pinpoint — partly because “AI-poly” is such a recent phenomenon.“It’s a relatively new concept describing someone in a committed relationship with a real person who also has strong feelings for an AI companion,” she explained.Bronstein said that while this commitment isn’t on par with a human relationship, the feelings involved can feel very real to those experiencing them.“They invest time, energy and emotions into this AI connection, which can be intense,” she added.“The question is, can we consider this a genuine relationship?”The answer for many couples seems to be yes — but with key differences that need to be addressed early on between the humans in the relationship, according to sex and relationship coach Courtney Boyer, who identifies as polyamorous.She underscored the key differences between traditional polyamory and AI-polyamory that couples need to acknowledge before adding a digital third to their partnership.“Polyamory involves mutual relationships with people who have their own needs, autonomy and capacity to conse...