When an AI Became My Marriage Counsellor
One influencer asked a chatbot for advice—and it changed her life. Could AI really be shaping our relationships?
When Alexandra Bylund posted on Instagram that she had chosen to divorce after consulting Chat GPT, it wasn’t just another social media update. She shared snippets of a conversation with her ex-partner, asking the AI for its opinion. Her verdict? “Clear. Raw. True. (…) And that was the beginning of the end.”
The post went viral. Comments flooded in from people saying they, too, use AI as a sounding board for life’s toughest decisions. Alice Uhlin, a reporter at SVT, has noticed a growing trend: “People call it their best friend and best advisor.”
It’s easy to see the appeal. AI is always available, anonymous, and willing to offer guidance. Psychologist Maria Farm calls it a natural extension of modern society—but one that comes with caution.
“Who is the sender?” Farm asks. “It’s not a person with intentions, and that can create ethical problems. The effects of relying on AI for major life decisions are still unknown.”
Chat GPT can suggest practical steps—writing a letter after a breakup, talking through emotions aloud, or putting feelings into words. Farm agrees that much of the advice is reasonable, the kind she could offer herself. But she stresses a crucial point: AI is a complement, not a replacement for professional help.
With long healthcare queues and therapy costs soaring, turning to AI is understandable. But experts urge careful consideration. “Research is needed,” Uhlin notes. “We shouldn’t rely on Chat GPT when making decisions like divorces—we need more reliable AI tools for guidance.”
Alexandra Bylund’s story is a glimpse into a future where machines are part of our emotional lives. They can offer perspective, even clarity, but the responsibility for life-altering decisions still rests with humans. AI may guide, but it cannot replace the empathy, judgment, and nuance that only a human mind can provide.