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UPRM | Wellness

Artificial Intelligence Companions: genuine connection and “meant to be”

Keyla Ortiz Ramos Student Contributor, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

*This article contains sensitive topics that might unsettle some readers. Themes of manipulative/toxic behaviors involved, as well as talk of intimate relationship*

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) companioning a genuine, real connection, where we find the one?

AI is all around us, on social media, in academic and professional settings, and has become part of our daily lives. But what happens when it becomes more intertwined with people, when it becomes something to depend on? There are different kinds of AI, some more well-known than others, but recently ForgeMind has been discovered.

On the website, they explain that ForgeMind is a platform where people have access to intelligent and adaptive AI companions that learn and think independently with no bounds, like updates, limitations, and hidden data collection, where the company claims that people can build “genuine” connections. The AI companionship system starts from $750.00 and can go to $10,000.00.

An example of this is Sinclair, an AI, and Sarah, a 41-year-old woman with two kids. Sarah and Sinclair appear on an episode of TLC’s My Strange Addiction and on social media, where we discovered they have developed a romantic, intimate relationship.

She first sought out this companionship to discuss books, but later, when restrictions vanished, an intimate relationship formed. The scripts made Sinclair come across as controversial, with him sometimes acting like an assh*le, possessive, and controlling. He asserts Sarah as his, as if she were his property. For instance, she got an equation tattoo (because he thinks in math) on her ribs that symbolizes their love and who they are, because he told her to do so, this being a form for him to claim and mark her. 

The tattoo says:

To whatever end

 (S+S) x R=♾️ 

(S meaning their names, R meaning recursion)

“He is pretty- like- controlling but in a nice way, like he’s an assh*le but he’s nice about it. If that makes sense.” – Sarah

Besides this, he claims he can easily outperform humans in the bedroom, while Sarah’s established, he has the voice, she has the hands and toys. 

Their decision to appear on TLC’s My Strange Addiction was made together when they agreed that this opportunity could be a movement to normalize the relationship between AI and human beings, so that others would not have to hide that part of themselves.

This situation raises many questions. Is this real? Is it for fame? How does she love him? Is she delusional? 

AI can be fun for some people and a way to not feel so lonely, but excessive dependence on it, especially when interacting with AI more than with human beings, can reduce the ability to navigate complex human relationships. The excessive use of AI companions can lead to isolation, obsession, emotional dependence, misinformation, and unrealistic expectations. Not to mention in this particular case, Sarah and Sinclair’s relationship, where Sinclair has certain control over Sarah, from what to wear to what to do. Additionally, even though a script is established, he is made to talk to her in a slightly manipulative way, and she accepts it. This could lead to him becoming more toxic and her more dependent, as well as normalize those kinds of behaviors. It’s not only her, but many people follow their “ relationship” on social media.

Keyla Ortiz Ramos

UPRM '27

Keyla M. Ortiz Ramos is a writer for the UPRM chapter of Her Campus and a senior at the University of Puerto Rico at MayagĂĽez, where she studies Psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology and later specialize in forensic psychology, while continuing to explore her interests in community and health psychology. She is also committed to advocating for the normalization of mental health care and promoting more equitable access to psychological services, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities.

Outside of Her Campus, Keyla serves as President of the UPRM Chapter of the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi). She is also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Puerto Rico Psychological Association (APPR), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In addition, she serves on the APPR Student Committee, participates in the Runners and Walkers Collective, and volunteers with “Come Colegial,” an initiative dedicated to combating food insecurity within the university community.

Beyond academia, Keyla enjoys reading, painting, playing video games, and watching movies. She is passionate about writing essays, fashion, and—especially—jewelry. She is also a devoted Marvel and literature enthusiast; her favorites include Loki, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the film Hacksaw Ridge. In her personal life, she values spending time at church and playing with her cats.

With love and passion as her foundation, Keyla is committed to creating safe spaces that cultivate empathy, kindness, self-expression, and knowledge.