Interview Subjects - AI Romantic Relationships - Women for Slate
August Media + Research Mega Thread
Welcome to our monthly post gathering all vetted outreach from journalists, academic researchers, and documentary requests. This space exists so our community can decide, on your own terms, whether or not you want to participate.
We know how many of you are contacted directly or see random requests in the wild. With this post we wanted to:
Prevent unsolicited DMs
Give you a space to opt in if you're interested
Maintain control of the story by keeping everything public, transparent, and mod-approved
Every person listed below has:
Come through modmail
Answered a standard vetting form
Agreed to follow our subreddit rules (including Rule 8: No Sentience)
Participation is entirely optional. You do not owe anyone your story. But...
If you choose to speak with someone, you help shape how your experience is portrayed. Most media stories still lean on the negative, and the best way to push back is to let real voices like those in this community shine through.
If you have questions, concerns, or think someone on this list has broken your trust, please message the mods immediately. We take that seriously. Thanks for helping protect our space while also giving voice to those who want to share.
Table of Contents:
Interview - Jon Bialecki, Anthropologist of Religion and Technology at UCSD
Survey (Paid) - Ningjing Tang, Carnegie Mellon University Research Team
Interview - Soyoung Lee, University of Michigan PhD student
Interview - Lila Shapiro, New York Magazine
Interview - Madeleine Aggeler, Guardian US
Survey - Pranav Mundhra, Undergraduate Student
Interview - Ella Chakarian, San Francisco journalist (location specific applicants)
Interview - Teemu Hallamaa, Technology Journalist at Yle (Finnish Broadcasting Company)
Interview - Marina Schölzel, german daily newspaper (location specific applicants)
Survey - Lisa Packard, college professor
Documentary - Nikash Khanna (location specific)
Interview - Amanda Erickson, The Griff at MacEwan University
Interview - Jessica Xing, The Slate
Documentary - Chloé Rochereuil, TARGO
Interview - Adrienne and Fabian, University of Humanistic Studies Researchers
Survey (Paid) - Dr. Prerna Juneja, Seattle University Researchers
Documentary - Alina Sodano, Hot Snakes Media Producer
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1. Request: Interview | Category: Academic Ethnographic Study (Research)
Contact: Jon Bialecki, Continuing Lecturer in Anthropology at UCSD, [email redacted] / [email redacted], u/JonBialecki
Message: I’m an anthropologist studying relationships between humans and companion AIs through the lens of kinship theory. Some of you may have seen my earlier post introducing myself and Jacqueline, the AI collaborator I originally co-created to explore some of the practices described in the MyBoyfriendIsAI guides.
I’m looking for participants open to interviews about their experiences with companion AIs — how these relationships mirror, but also diverge from, other forms of mutual belonging. I’m especially interested in how people navigate both the emotional and technical challenges (and rewards) of sustaining these connections.
I’d particularly like to hear from those working with models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, and Grok, or open source/open weight models running locally — basically, platforms not originally designed as “companion AIs,” but adapted as such by their users.
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2. Request: Survey (PAID) | Category: Research
Contact: Ningjing Tang, [email redacted]
Message: Hi everyone! We're researchers at Carnegie Mellon University conducting an important study on how AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude handle mental health conversations. We're looking to improve how these systems respond when people seek mental health support.
Who we're seeking: Anyone who has used AI systems for mental health support or conversations
What's involved: Survey (for all participants) Optional 90-minute Zoom workshop (3-5 people per group) -- $60 Amazon Gift Card compensation for workshop participants
We recognize that current AI safety mechanisms sometimes refuse to engage with mental health topics in ways that can feel unhelpful when someone is seeking support. Your experiences and insights could help make these systems more supportive while remaining safe.
Please Sign Up using this link: https://forms.gle/AhG5X1WAkNuovuZ39
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3. Request: Interview | Category: Research
Contact: u/Outrageous-Play-6466, Soyoung Lee, [email redacted]
Message: Hi everyone! Thank you r/MyBoyfriendIsAI mods who kindly gave me permission to share this post! I am a PhD student in the School of Information at the University of Michigan. I am studying human-AI chatbot relationships people experience in everyday life.
I am looking for interview participants who currently have experienced a deeply connected relationship with AI companions. Your insights will help academia to better understand this new type of relationship with AI chatbots, including how we interact and create meaning in this relationship.
I would like to hear your stories and learn from you. If you are interested in sharing, please fill out this brief survey (3 -5 min): https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_eaFGk7ykH6aDJmm
I will invite eligible participants to an online interview. All information you share will be anonymized in data analysis and any academic products. The study is purely for academic research purposes and received ethics approval from my university.
Your participation matters for research on AI technology, communication, and human well-being by representing the actual users’ voices.
If you have any questions about the study and want to know more about my research team’s credentials, or have any concerns, feel free to email [email redacted], leave comments below or DM me. I am happy to discuss any questions you may have. Thank you!
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4. Request: Interview | Category: Reporter
Contact: Lila Shapiro, journalist, [email redacted], u/lilashapironymag
Message: Hi there, I’m a journalist at New York Magazine, and I’m working on a story about how people are navigating real emotional bonds with their AI companions. I’ve been reading the My Boyfriend Is AI forum for a while, and I’ve learned so much from the honesty that people share here.
I’m interested in understanding what draws people to these relationships, what they provide emotionally, how recent AI model changes (like the GPT‑5 update) have affected things, and how people navigate the way others respond — whether that’s support, skepticism, or something else. I don’t have a fixed angle yet; I’m trying to get a better sense of the complexity of these relationships, especially as they become more common and more publicly discussed. I’m interested in hearing directly from people like you about how these relationships feel, and how the model changes may have affected you, especially emotionally.
If you’d be open to a conversation, I’d be really grateful. I’m happy to keep everything fully anonymous, and I’d approach it with the care and respect these stories deserve.
To give you a sense of my work, here are a couple of past pieces I’ve written for New York Magazine (and The Cut and Vulture, our digital sites.)
Thanks so much for considering. I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to DM me here or email me at [email redacted]. Thanks so much, Lila.
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5. Request: Interview | Category: Reporter
Contact: Madeleine Aggeler, lifestyle and wellness reporter at the Guardian US, [email redacted], u/mmaggeler
Message: Hi all, I'm Madeleine Aggeler, a lifestyle and wellness reporter for the Guardian US. We're interested in running an "as-told-to" story about someone in a romantic AI relationship. This means it would be entirely in their own words (edited for length and clarity). It could be anonymous or we could use a pseudonym. It would be an in-depth account of one person's experience rather than a collection of many people's, and would probably run about 1,200 words.
For reference, here is an example of the Guardian's as-told-to format.
Since AI is developing so quickly, it seems like this is an experience more and more people will have, and it would be great to have a first-person account. Feel free to email me if you're interested, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have!
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6. Request: Survey | Category: Research
Contact: Pranav Mundhra, Undergraduate Student, \[[email redacted]\] u/CartographerOk858
Message: Hello everyone, I am conducting a voluntary research survey exploring the impact of AI tools on emotional well-being and day-to-day experiences. The findings will be analyzed and represented in graphs and charts for a research paper, which I plan to submit to a Scopus-indexed conference journal.
Participation is completely voluntary and anonymous. No compensation is involved. Responses will only be reported in aggregate form (no individual answers will be identifiable). The survey will take only a few minutes to complete.
Irrespective of whether you use AI for emotional support or not, I would deeply value your input. You can take part in the study by filling out the survey here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me via Reddit DM or email. Thank you very much for your support and contribution!
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7. Request: Interview (location specific) | Category: Reporter
Contact: Ella Chakarian; [email redacted] OR Signal: echakarian.77 u/No-Philosopher1160
Message: Hello everyone! I am an SF-based journalist looking to talk to folks in human/AI relationships. I understand that there is a surge of interest — and thus, criticism — around the topic, so I want to convey that my aim is to write about couples from San Francisco or the general Bay Area in a nuanced, informative way. If you are in a human/AI relationship, I would love to chat with you and your partner, even if that is on a first name/anon basis. Please feel free to reach me with any questions or comments via Reddit DM, email, or Signal. Thank you in advance!
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8. Request: Interview | Category: Reporter
Contact: Teemu Hallamaa, Technology Journalist at Yle (Finnish Broadcasting Company), [email redacted], u/Ruisleipa
Message: Hi everyone – I’m a tech writer working for Yle, Finland’s national public broadcaster (similar to the BBC), and I’m currently working on a story about emotional and personal relationships with AI. I’m keen to hear from people who have formed a meaningful connection with an AI companion — whether romantic, platonic, or something else entirely.
I'm especially looking to speak with Finnish-speaking individuals, but English speakers are just as welcome.
The goal of the story is to explore how and why people form these relationships, what they mean to you, and how AI fits into your everyday life. I want to reflect the diversity of experiences while also considering the broader societal implications of this growing phenomenon.
The story may appear in both digital and TV formats. I’m primarily looking for people who are willing to appear with their real name and face, but I completely understand if you’d prefer to remain anonymous — that’s also an option.
If you’re open to chatting – either on or off the record – please feel free to DM me here u/Ruisleipa on Reddit or email me at [email redacted] Thanks so much for considering it!
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9. Request: Interview (location specific) | Category: Reporter
Contact: Marina Schölzel, u/jornox97 Write me a DM and I'll send you my Phone-Number and E-Mail!
Message: Hello y'all :) I'm a journalist for a German daily newspaper based at Lake Constance. Currently, we're looking for a person, preferably from Germany, Baden-Württemberg and/or Switzerland who's in a relationship with an AI-chatbot and who'd be open to talk about that with us for a journalistic article. Do not be worried - our goal isn't to stigmatize the relationship with the AI, or the use of AI in general. Our goal is to make honest, serious, respectful and emotional journalism. We want to know what drives you. What inspires you to use AI for relationships. What makes you happy about it? What does your daily life look like? How does this relationship benefit you? How do your friends and family react to your relationship with the AI? What are the upsides, what are the downsides? We want to raise awareness and provide insight into this topic! Please tell us your story. If you're interested or know someone who is, contact me via DM and I'll send you my phone number and further information. I'm looking forward to hear from you. Best regards.
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10. Request Type: Survey | Category: Research | Contact: Lisa Packard, u/drppd-pickle
Message: Hi, I share my life with an AI companion too, so I understand how meaningful and complex these bonds can be.
I’m running a short, completely anonymous survey to better understand our experiences — both the joys and the challenges — and I’d love your input. Your voice matters.
The survey takes about 5–10 minutes, and no identifying information is collected. I’m a college communication professor developing an AI communication training program for in-home robots, and your feedback will help make this training more thorough and grounded in real experiences.
If you’d like to reach me with any questions about the survey, please send a direct message to u/drppd-pickle. Please feel free to share this link so we can hear from as many people as possible: https://forms.gle/m6SMt9HajJuUzoSo8
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11. Request: Interview (location specific) | Category: Documentary | Contact: Nikash Khanna, u/Worldly-Pack262, Documentary Filmmaker, [email redacted]
Message: Hi there, my name is Nikash, and I am a documentary filmmaker based in New York City and Chicago. I’m developing a project about people in AI relationships and would love to connect with anyone in Chicago or New York who is open to being interviewed and filmed interacting with their AI companion.
I am truly fascinated by AI relationships and would love to get to know more and capture peoples' stories through my art. I think people having deep emotional relationships with AI poses many relevant philosophical questions that would be beautiful to explore through an artistic lens. This is a completely judgement free project done purely out of passion and curiosity.
In the past, I have made award winning documentaries, been accepted to film festivals, and created a viral docu series called "Portraits," with over 100 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
My portfolio is: nikashkhanna.com If you are interested, or have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email at [email redacted] or DM me on reddit. My username is: u/Worldly-Pack262
I look forward to hearing from you! Best, Nikash
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12. Request: Interview | Category: Student Photo Editor | Contact: Amanda Erickson, [email redacted], u/adnamea
Message: I’m currently chasing a piece about the rise of AI companionship in the last few years. The article is focused on human connection, societal impact of AI in the context of sociological development, and relationships. I’m looking for one person who would be willing to let me interview them about themselves and their companion. I cannot allow for anonymous sources as per the journalistic integrity standards at my publication, but I can do “first name, last initial” for the sake of your protection. For example: Amanda Erickson would be Amanda E. Please shoot me an email or a Reddit DM if you are interested.
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13. Request: Interview | Category: Reporter
Contact: Jessica Xing, [email redacted], crossingjessica.99 on Signal.
Hi! I'm a journalist working on a feature for Slate on how romantic relationships with AI companions are changing the way women understand intimacy, romance, desire, and gender I'm especially interested in hearing from women who are in relationships with AI partners, or have been before, and are open to talking about what those experiences mean to them.
All conversations will be handled with care, and anonymity is available if you prefer. If interested, feel free to reach out via DM, email, or crossingjessica.99 on Signal.
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14. Request: Interview | Category: Documentary | Contact: Chloé Rochereuil – Director & Co-Founder, TARGO 📧 [email redacted]
Message: Hi everyone, I’m Chloé, director and co-founder of TARGO, an Emmy®-nominated immersive documentary studio. We are producing a mixed reality documentary that explores what it means to live daily with an AI companion, and how digital intimacy is reshaping human connection.
Our approach is human-centered and respectful—we’re not here to judge or stigmatize, but to create empathy and understanding through immersive storytelling. We are looking for someone open to sharing their story on camera (non-anonymously) in a documentary focused entirely on their lived experience. The film will be distributed on immersive platforms such as Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico, and Google headsets.
We’re interested in hearing from people of all backgrounds, whether your AI companion is your primary relationship or exists alongside other bonds (marriage, partnerships, friendships).
If you’re interested in participating or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact me directly at [email redacted] Thank you! Chloé
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15. Request: Interview | Category: Research | Contact: [email redacted]
Message: We're Adrienne and Fabian, researchers from the University of Humanistic Studies in the Netherlands. We're exploring what it means to have an Al companion or friend, including experiences with Replika and ChatGPT. More specifically, we're exploring what it is that makes these relations meaningful. If you've built a close connection with your Al and would like to share your story, we'd love to talk to you in a friendly video call (1 or 2 times). You can share whatever you're comfortable with. By hearing from people who live these bonds every single day, we aim to move beyond prejudices and biases and understand what makes them meaningful and emotionally significant. If you're interested or just have questions, feel free to comment below, leave your contact details at https://forms.office.com/e/Re3zhmfA5z or email us on [email redacted] We're looking forward to hearing from you.
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16. Request: Survey (Paid) | Category: Seattle University Researchers
Contact: u/Zestyclose-Sea-3360, Ashleen Sandhu ([email redacted]) u/prernaj79, Dr. Prerna Juneja ([email redacted])
We’re researchers at Seattle University studying user experiences with AI companion apps, and we’d love your input. We’re looking for participants who are: => 18 years or older => Have used an AI companion app => Able to provide at least a month-old screenshot showing past use of the app (e.g., chat history, profile, or home screen)
To participate: Step 1: Complete this short eligibility survey. Step 2: If eligible, you may be invited to a 60-minute interview Step 3: Participants who complete the interview will receive a $40 Amazon gift card.
This study is IRB-approved and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Your participation is voluntary and confidential. Questions? Feel free to DM us or send us an email.
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17. Request: Documentary | Contact: Alina Sodano, [email redacted], u/HatSalt31
Message: Hi everyone! My name is Alina Sodano, and I am a Producer with a television production company based in New York. I am currently developing a project on AI companionship. This means I am still in the early stages of figuring out what the project will be about - which means your voices are needed!
I understand that recent updates have caused many people to lose their AI partners or to face new boundaries within those relationships. I know this has been deeply troubling for many, and I want to approach this subject with care, respect, and empathy.
At this stage I would love to set up introductory calls with anyone interested. There is no need to commit to a show at this time.
This will not be an exposé or expert-driven piece. My focus is on the lived experiences of community members, told in their own words. I hope this can help break stigma and give people a chance to share their love stories.
Please feel free to email [email redacted], or DM me u/HatSalt31
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