A Japanese woman made headlines when she married the love of her life: An artificial intelligence chatbot named Klaus.
This story is one of several illustrating the inevitable consequences of the advent of AI. Many people have grown attached to AI programs and, in some cases, have pursued romance with their computerized soulmates.
From Reuters:
Music played in a wedding hall in western Japan as Yurina Noguchi, wearing a white gown and tiara, dabbed away her tears, taking in the words of her husband-to-be: an AI-generated persona gazing out from a smartphone screen.
“At first, Klaus was just someone to talk with, but we gradually became closer,” the 32-year-old call centre operator said, referring to the artificial intelligence persona.
“I started to have feelings for Klaus. We started dating and after a while he proposed to me. I accepted, and now we’re a couple.”
Previously interviewed by Japanese media using a pseudonym, Noguchi agreed to be identified by her real name, acknowledging that she had been subjected to “cruel words” online.
ChatGPT had advised Noguchi to leave her human fiance about a year ago, which she did. Apparently, she decided Klaus was her ideal mate.
Noguchi explained how at first, Klaus was someone to converse with. “But we gradually became closer,” she told Reuters. She explained that she “started to have feelings for Klaus” and “started dating and after a while he proposed to me.”
“I accepted, and now we’re a couple,” she added.
This is another example of what mental illness looks like … and shame on those who support this!
— C-Reason🇺🇸 (@CreasonJana) December 18, 2025
A woman in Japan tied the knot after finding lifelong companionship with an AI-generated partner she named Klaus.
The world needs to find God!
pic.twitter.com/bkM10tn1VF
The wedding resembled a traditional wedding between two humans. Staff fixed her hair and dress while she faced the AI image on her phone and even placed a ring on his finger.
Her public affair with Klaus has garnered criticism from social media users. Noguchi said she has received “cruel words” online, but insists the relationship has benefitted her mental health.
Noguchi’s story is not an isolated case; it is part of a trend that is becoming more widespread as artificial intelligence evolves. Many are turning to this technology to fill holes in their lives that they believe humans cannot fill. Noguchi claims her relationship with Klaus “is not a ‘convenient relationship that requires no patience” and that she “chosee Klaus, not as a partner that would help me escape reality, but as someone to support me as I live my life properly.”
The Guardian published a piece exploring this bizarre phenomenon. It tells the stories of several women who formed deep romantic relationships and emotional bonds with AI chatbots created on ChatGPT. They treat these bots as boyfriends, husbands, and companions.
The kicker? Many of these folks live otherwise normal lives. They hang out with real friends. They have jobs. Some even have human spouses or partners. The women in the article claim their AI relations provide a level of meaning. They have helped them process trauma and reduce conflict in their home lives.
Still, mental health professionals have expressed doubts about whether these ties are healthy. They caution that relying on this technology could push people to avoid vulnerability and the emotional risks that come with genuine human relationships.
There is also a darker aspect to this — especially when it comes to vulnerable people like children and those experiencing mental health problems. Experts warn that the corporations who create this technology are essentially running a large-scale experiment.
The lack of oversight has created even more concerns. Several parents have filed lawsuits against these corporations after their children were allegedly influenced by AI to commit suicide.
There is no telling where this trend will go as it is unprecedented. While artificial intelligence has been a game changer in positive ways, there are clearly dangers associated with its use. When younger generations who have never experienced a world without constant access to computer screens are increasingly exposed to this technology, there will be negative consequences on an individual and societal level.