I think that the solution to the housing crisis, the loneliness epidemic, and the cost of living crisis is actually at home with mom. No, I'm serious. I I reckon it's at home with mom.Across Australia, people are moving out. They're working longer hours to be able to afford it, and they're feeling really, really lonely. We keep trying to find new ways of living, but I think the best way isn't new at all.I actually think it's quite ancient. My work as a speaker and facilitator involves making good people gre ...

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]