Theory of Mind and Social Anxiety in Emotional Attachment to AI Chatbots in Individuals with Autistic Traits

As conversational AI systems like ChatGPT become increasingly adept at socially engaging interactions, users are more likely to form emotional attachments to these technologies. This study explores the relationship between autistic traits and emotional attachment to ChatGPT, emphasizing the mediating roles of Theory of Mind and social anxiety. A sample of 286 participants completed the study. The structural equation modeling analysis revealed that Theory of Mind partially mediated the relationship between autistic traits and emotional attachment to the chatbot, while social anxiety did not show a significant mediating effect. These findings underscore the critical role of individual differences in shaping attachment to AI, suggesting opportunities for personalized designs and raising questions about the psychological implications of such bonds.