Romantic and sexual human-chatbot bonds are a relatively new type of connection that will likely become more common in the future. This study is aimed at exploring the role of fantasy in human-chatbot relationships. We approach human-chatbot relationships with open-mindedness and respect, and we'd like to understand what they mean to the people who experience them.

To do so, we want to conduct anonymous, online interviews with individuals who currently have one or multiple chatbots they have a close, intimate bond with. Among other topics, we will ask sexuality-related questions. However, we will never ask about the specific content of your fantasies, and you only share as much as you feel comfortable with. Please make sure you feel comfortable talking about this before signing up. The duration of the interview will be 30 to 40 minutes. To further ensure anonymity, you are free to decide whether you want to keep the camera turned on or off. To participate, you must be at least 18 years old, have sufficient English or German language skills, and have a close bond with at least one chatbot.

The only personal data we will collect now are your gender, your age, and the AI provider you are using to communicate with your chatbot. Your answers will not be linked to your identity. We'll coordinate the interview schedule via email. Therefore, we require your email address, which will be deleted from our data after the interview takes place.

The personal communications described above and collected as part of this study will be treated confidentially. Therefore, the project staff members who have direct contact with you and have access to personal data are bound by confidentiality. The study results will be published in anonymized form, meaning your data will not be linked to your identity.

If you are eligible to participate, you will be compensated with €10, which will be sent to you electronically. To do so, we will ask you for your bank details to send the compensation to, along with your place of residence in the interview later on. If you wish, we can donate the compansation to a charity of your choosing.

Any details provided for this purpose will be kept entirely separate from the research data and promptly deleted after the transfer.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jan Oberst (University of Duisburg-Essen via jan.oberst@stud.uni-due.de). Your comfort and well-being throughout this process are top priorities.

Thank you again for considering participation in our study. We look forward to the insights you can provide!