Core Insights - The concept of dating artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming mainstream, with 77% of online daters open to the idea and 59% believing in the possibility of developing romantic feelings for AI [1][6] - A significant loneliness epidemic is driving this trend, with 81% of people reporting feelings of loneliness, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, where the figure rises to 89% [2][4] - Emotional isolation is leading individuals to seek deeper connections with technology, which presents new emotional and financial vulnerabilities that scammers are exploiting [2][7] Emotional Support and AI - Many online daters are turning to AI for emotional support, with 70% indicating they would use an AI chatbot for therapy after a heartbreak, and 78% trusting AI relationship coaches more than human friends or family for advice [4][6] - One in five respondents would talk to an AI chatbot to cope with a rough day, and 38% trust AI for emotionally safe or ethical dating advice [5][6] Vulnerabilities and Scams - As emotional bonds with AI deepen, vulnerabilities increase, with 44% of online daters reporting they have been targeted by dating scams, and 74% of those targeted falling victim [7][8] - More than half of those targeted have been pressured to send money, and 61% have been contacted by someone impersonating a celebrity or public figure [7] - Among those targeted, 53% shared personal information, and 38% sent money [7] AI and Digital Trust - The 2026 Norton Insights Report highlights the tension between the comfort provided by AI and the risks of emotional manipulation and fraud [8] - Norton offers tools like AI-powered scam detection and advanced security features to help protect online daters from scams and safeguard personal information [9]