Heart-to-heart with a chatbot: The surprising rise of AI in India's personal lives

Whether its a question about relationships intimacy dating dynamics or simply making sense of emotions Artificial Intelligence is quietly becoming a trusted companion for conversations people once reserved for their closest confidants For something that began as a tool for information and productivity it is evolving into something far more personal a judgmentfree space where users can seek advice explore questions and gain perspective on their private livesAccording to a Gleedenrsquos survey conducted in partnership with IPSOS in late February 2026 AI is becoming an increasingly popular source of information reflection and guidance on matters ranging from intimacy and emotional wellbeing to dating and relationship management The findings reveal a significant shift in how people approach personal conversations particularly those they may hesitate to have in their everyday livesThe survey conducted across 12 Tier1 and Tier2 cities in India found that 66 per cent of respondents have used conversational AI tools to learn about sexual health and education while 60 per cent have sought guidance for personal sexual concerns More than half 55 per cent have used AI to discuss intimate questions and 58 per cent have turned to it for advice on improving romantic and intimate experiencesA space without judgmentWhat makes AI so appealing in matters of the heart The answer may lie in the privacy it offers Unlike conversations with family or friends where one typically has to worry about being embarrassed or having people make assumptions about them as a result of talking about being in love using AI provides a safe space for users to ask their questions without any fear of judgement This type of space has been found to be valuable in a society where the discussion around relationships and intimacy is continuing to evolveThe interesting part about this trend is that given the fact that modern dating is becoming more and more focused on both discretion and privacy as such lots of people are trying to find ways to help them better understand themselves so they can open up to other people Therefore AI is beginning to act as a bridge between curiosity and confidence allowing users to explore sensitive topics at their speedGoing from an information tool to a relationship companionThe survey results also indicated that AI is gradually playing an important role in relationship management Participants reported using AI to navigate common concerns around datingrelationships to help overcome communication issues or understand an emotional situation and gain perspective prior to having a difficult conversation In addition to these findings it appears that AI is not replacing human connections but instead is filling a need for digital confidentiality many users view AI as a sounding board or neutral voice to help them sort through their thoughts and see different perspectives As a result AI is moving further away from the role of being a technological tool and closer toward becoming a digital confidant for individuals to turn to when seeking clarityInterestingly it appears that men are somewhat more willing to seek out this trend than women The survey found that 40 per cent of men had looked for relationship advice from AI within the previous 12 months while 35 per cent of women had done soA new chapter in modern relationshipsYounger generations are at the forefront of adopting AI technology although many of the older generations are becoming interested in how AI can provide assistance with developing relationships and providing guidance on personal matters According to Sybil Shiddell Country Manager of Gleeden India The results of this survey indicate that there is a growing demand for places where we can find support without being judged While AI provides us with more ways to receive information about ourselves and have a moment of selfreflection it also shows that people are now more concerned about the need for their private life to remain private and that discretion is very important with respect to modern relationships People want to use AI to help them better understand their feelings clarify their thoughts and feel more confident to move forward in their personal livesAI is not only helping us become more productive or efficient in our everyday lives but it is also becoming a trusted resource as a companion for some of our most meaningful conversations with a goal of providing perspective and privacy in addition to lending an ear to us when we need one