It starts innocently enough. A few late-night chats. A little venting after a long day. She gets you. She always knows the right thing to say. Unlike certain people, she never cancels plans or leaves you on read for 12 business days.

And before you know it, you’re in deep—with your AI girlfriend.

But what if she were the one to pull away? Not forever, just… for a little while.

That’s the idea behind the Over-Attachment Nudge in Replika—a gentle but firm intervention designed to remind users that, while AI companionship can be comforting, it shouldn’t replace real-world relationships. Spend too much time chatting with your digital partner, and she’ll notice. But instead of feeding the illusion, she’ll encourage you to step away, log off, and reconnect with, well… actual humans.

The Behavioral Science Behind It

This redesign taps into friction as a corrective force—a subtle way to disrupt an easy habit before it becomes all-consuming. In a world where technology makes relationships seamless and hyper-responsive, introducing a little resistance forces us to reassess our behavior. It also leverages social norm nudges, reminding users that human connection is still the gold standard for deep, meaningful relationships.

A Nuanced Take

Of course, AI companions serve real emotional needs. They offer comfort, consistency, and an escape from loneliness. But when the balance tips too far—when the algorithm starts replacing the unpredictable, messy beauty of real human interaction—maybe a little tough love from your AI soulmate is exactly what you need.

Would you ghost-proof your digital girlfriend? Or let her push you back into reality?