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A new survey by Gleeden and IPSOS, released in March 2026, highlights a growing paradox in modern Indian relationships: despite constant digital communication, emotional disconnection and loneliness are widespread. The study of over 1,500 respondents found that 57% feel lonely in their relationship, even though 92% claim to be happy overall. Of those experiencing loneliness, 20% feel it all the time and 37% sometimes.
The research points to technology as a double-edged sword. While digital tools enable frequent contact through texts, calls, and social platforms, they often fail to foster genuine emotional intimacy. This gap appears to be driving some individuals toward alternative sources of connection, including artificial intelligence.
An older but still-recent report, also from Gleeden, can reinforce this issue: more and more users are willing to get intimate with an AI, even if they’re currently in a real relationship at the same time.
Notably, 49% of respondents admitted to having engaged in sexual or intimate interactions with AI at least once, with 24% doing so once and 25% multiple times. An additional 16% said they were considering it. Gender differences emerged: 51% of women and 47% of men reported using AI for intimacy at least once. The survey suggests this behavior may serve as a substitute for emotional or physical fulfillment within existing relationships.
Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager for Gleeden India, commented: “In our increasingly digital world, technology is not only changing the way we communicate, but also the way we engage with intimacy and establish emotional connections. There is a rapidly widening gap between what it means to be in a relationship and to feel truly connected.”
While 81% of respondents acknowledged pressure to appear perfect in modern dating, many turn to AI for quick confidence boosts or to avoid arguments – yet experts warn this may hinder long-term authentic connection.
As AI tools become more integrated into personal lives, the survey raises important questions for the dating and relationship app industry. Platforms may need to evolve beyond facilitating matches to actively support emotional intimacy and reduce loneliness. Features that encourage meaningful conversation, shared experiences, or even AI-assisted but human-centered communication could become increasingly valuable.
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