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]

Core Insights - Norton has announced the global expansion of its AI-powered Scam Protection across all Norton 360 and Norton mobile plans, enhancing its commitment to proactive cyber safety for users worldwide [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Features and Enhancements - Norton Scam Protection now provides advanced, real-time defense against scams across various platforms including web, email, SMS, videos, and phone calls, reinforcing its universal application [1][3] - The premium tier, Norton Scam Protection Pro, is being extended to all Norton 360 Advanced plans globally, introducing features like Safe Email and Safe Call to enhance user protection [5] - The free Norton Private Browser offers built-in Safe Web Scam Protection, aimed at blocking phishing websites and improving online shopping safety [4] Group 2: Market Context and Threat Landscape - Social engineering threats, including scams, account for over 80% of cyber threats observed globally in the first three quarters of the year, highlighting the critical need for enhanced scam protection [2] - Gen Threat Labs reports an average of 110 social engineering-related attempts blocked every second, indicating the scale of the threat and the effectiveness of Norton's solutions [2] Group 3: Strategic Vision - The Chief Product Officer of Gen emphasized that the expansion of Norton Scam Protection aims to raise the standard for online safety, ensuring that users everywhere have equal access to protection against sophisticated scams [3]