What counts as cheating with AI?

What counts as cheating with AI?

A 2025 survey featured in Mashable reveals that one-third of American adults believe either sexting or having a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot counts as cheating, and Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus was interviewed to comment on these new statistics.

Most respondents who see AI intimacy as infidelity do not distinguish between sexual and emotional exchanges; both are considered to cross a boundary. The article also highlights broad discomfort about digital behaviors, for example, significant percentages see sending money to cam models, subscribing to OnlyFans, or even watching porn as forms of betrayal.

Dr. Jenn commented that these findings underscore the need for couples to have "open discussions and establish boundaries" about digital intimacy: “It can be challenging to categorize AI interactions due to their blending of fantasy, pornography, and the emotions tied to real human relationships.”

"If couples want to cultivate healthy, trusting, connected relationships in the age of AI, they need to have clear discussions and boundary-setting about this within their relationship, and not just assume they are both on the same page in terms of what counts as infidelity," Dr. Jenn said.

Read this Mashable article, by Anna Iovine, on: How many people think flirting with AI chatbots is actually cheating? Some people think sexting an AI crosses the line.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego Keynote Speaker, Relationship Coach, & Intimacy Expert