Journal Press India^®

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As a component of developing smart systems, AI platforms are influencing human–technology interactions more and more by providing emotional support, stimulating dialogue, and a feeling of community. AI platforms, which were initially created mainly for productivity and efficiency, are now developing into interactive companions that people can use for solace, self-expression, and even friendship. This study uses secondary data from academic research, surveys, and industry reports to investigate how people form emotional connections with AI companions. The study emphasizes the psychological and social elements that drive people to interact emotionally with AI systems, including loneliness, curiosity, and the need for approval. Quantitative insights from existing datasets are combined to show usage trends, demographic influences, and cultural variations in adoption. These findings are also placed in the Indian context, where awareness is still in its infancy but is growing. The study highlights emotional AI’s advantages, such as comfort, personalization, and accessibility, as well as its drawbacks, such as decreased socialization and over-reliance, by placing it within the larger theme of smart systems. It makes the case that AI companions mark a new stage in intelligent innovation and urges moral, human-centred methods for both their development and application.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence; Smart systems; AI companions; Human–AI relationships; Emotional connections; Intelligent innovation

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