Rethinking human-AI "attachment" in family systems: a response to McDaniel et al. (2025)

Abstract

Objective In the Family Relations special issue, "Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Family Life," McDaniel et al. (2025a) argued that human interactions with conversational artificial intelligence (CAI) agents, such as digital assistants and chatbots, increasingly resemble core processes described by attachment theory. Drawing on empirical research, they suggested that users' experiences in, attributions of, and reflections about CAI agents suggest attachment-like patterns and behaviors. In response, we offer alternative explanations and interpretations from cognitive, learning, romantic attachment, and systemic perspectives. Next, we pose questions and new dimensions to conceptualize human-CAI interactions as family scientists and practitioners.Background Research shows that users report warmth, connection, and trust toward CAI agents, especially in moments of distress. Given those findings, it is questionable whether CAI may truly serve as an attachment figure for humans. Building on robotics research and concepts, we explore human-CAI relationships through the uncanny valley phenomenon, anthropomorphism, potential implications for emotion regulation and relational dynamics, and habit formation. Additionally, we discuss the emerging role of CAI agents in family systems as a virtual member through triangulation, interdependence, and feedback mechanisms. We advocate for relational, dyadic, and family-level future research using experiential data to fully assess CAI's implications for family relationships.