Dear Ones, we cannot bring this issue to the surface any longer. We must face devastating and alarming statistics that increasingly demonstrate how artificial intelligence is negatively impacting our relationships. More importantly, how “these systems” that imitate human appearance and thought are slowly destroying our marriages.
There are statistics and they are concerning!
According to Weddings.com’s Marriage Survey, 33% of married couples feel that AI tools understand the nature of their marital problems better than their spouses. Additionally, 44% felt calmer and 38% felt more confident after using AI. In addition to this research, 28% use AI to make financial decisions and seek advice from AI before talking to their spouse about specific marriage issues.
According to the Institute for Family Studies, Gen Z and Millennials appear to be the most active users, with some seeking out AI for companionship, moral support, and other needs to be met within their marriages.
If these statistics aren’t concerning enough, the truth is that long-term faith-based marriages are not immune. In fact, advances in technology and its ease of access have revealed that even the closest couples are falling into the negative traps of AI.
Are all AIs bad?
Not necessarily. In short, if used responsibly and properly, AI can be a valuable resource and effective way to reduce stress, manage schedules, provide an outlet for creativity, and more. The key point is that AI must be used with healthy boundaries, intentionality, and intent.
Healthy boundaries include setting time limits for using tools, not relying solely on tools for emotional or mental support, creating privacy settings to avoid inappropriate content, and setting “do not disturb” or “do not use the phone” during prime conversational times, such as at the dinner table.
Spending time with AI intentionally and purposefully is invaluable. It’s very easy to scroll through different systems and chat without thinking, but you need to keep in mind “why” and “what” you’re looking for when using these devices. In other words, if you find yourself unconsciously connected to an AI and don’t necessarily know why, it may be time to stop and walk away.
The sneaky ways AI can harm your marriage
To be sure, AI is not all bad, and we can take safeguards to protect our hearts, minds, and marriages. But we can’t turn a blind eye to the sneaky (and rather clever) ways in which AI blurs the line between healthy and unhealthy usage and drives a wedge between what are essentially faithful couples.
Note that Exodus 20:3 says that there should be no other gods (idols) above God. Yes, this includes handheld devices, “virtual” assistants, digital experts, and all the technology and science that appears to simulate humans. The harsh reality is that when technology takes over our marriages and we turn to it before we turn to each other (and more importantly, before we turn to God), we are disobeying our Heavenly Father.
As we take a closer look at three ways AI is creeping into our marriages and wreaking havoc, we urge you to pause, reflect, respond, and remember that prayer is most important. If you are struggling with any of the issues below, seek God through repentance and soften your heart to receive His wisdom, counsel, and guidance.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/PeopleImages
1. Utilize AI as a personal therapist
It’s inevitable that every couple will face challenges at some point and need wisdom and direction to move forward. After all, a marriage is brought about by two messy, broken individuals who bring their sins into the relationship, so it is inevitable that it will cause some strife and conflict. Not only that, but we live in a fallen world that naturally raises difficult questions and allows the enemy to invade.
This is where the door opens for AI to come to the rescue and offer sage advice or unbiblical messages that can actually cause confusion and deepen rifts. From seemingly simple and “innocent” questions to identify a toxic spouse, to chats that lead to an imminent diagnosis that the relationship is doomed with little or no hope. It all starts with a question that demands an answer, but one that offers worrying advice and can create unnecessary tension in even a healthy marriage.
Communication between husband and wife is key, and it’s important to seek support when your marriage isn’t working out. But it must be explored in a way that benefits holy marriage. If you need Biblical wisdom and true guidance in your marriage, you won’t find it in something “impersonal.” That’s because we can never fully understand the complexity and nuance of human relationships, especially those that God brings together for a divine purpose (Matthew 19:6).
If your marriage is suffering from deep-seated betrayal or simply needs a loving boost, AI cannot replace the wisdom of God and the truth found in His Word. God wants us to come to Him first. But God also intended for us to walk through this life together and support each other in love (Thessalonians 5:11). There is much to be gained from the advice of a professional counselor and the blessings of a kind and trusted friend. Remember, iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). We are designed to seek faith-filled advice to help you grow in all areas of your life, including your marriage.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AND-ONE
2. Get emotional support from AI
Many marital problems stem from emotional trauma, patterns, or past hurts. If these emotional issues are not addressed and cared for in a timely manner, they will eventually cause deep wounds with great pain, ultimately leading to bitterness festering and resentment.
While AI may be a resource that can be used to understand the nature and complexity of emotional and mental health issues (such as sadness, anxiety, and depression), it cannot (and cannot) fully understand or respond to them in a personal and meaningful way. At least not in the way our souls desperately desire.
If your marriage is in need of emotional CPR and you’re seriously seeking wisdom on how to find hope and healing, AI may be able to bring clarity to certain topics, but it shouldn’t be the only way to gather emotional support. This is where the lines can become very blurred and an unhealthy addiction can develop. When conversations take place behind a screen and slowly dissolve between couples, this emotional disconnect can have serious consequences.
That’s why meeting your spouse’s emotional needs is so valuable. Yes, it requires a delicate balance of compassion and understanding, but it’s essential to connection. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that our words have power and can bring healing when we speak to our loved ones with humility and honesty. Rather than cringing at the idea that screens will provide us with the emotional support we need, let’s instead lean on one another for support and practice a mindset of serving one another in love (Ephesians 4:9-12).
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/PeopleImages
3. Enabling AI to replace real-life intimacy
Finally, I can’t help but mention that God’s plan for intimacy involves the purpose of rejoicing in divine love, fulfilling each other’s sexual desires, and growing God’s kingdom. But often, when a marriage lacks this connection and special intimacy, one or both partners feel lonely and lost. The harsh reality is that a marriage without intimacy has some pretty dark consequences and opens the door for the enemy to bring in his lustful temptations.
The sad truth is that there has been a massive explosion in AI porn and online orgies in recent years. As many couples face dissonance and their needs are not being met within the confines of a healthy marriage, the option to seek artificial intimacy is rapidly increasing (read more about statistics and the Family Institute study here).
As believers, we must seek to know and understand how God views marriage, sex, and intimacy. Genesis 2:24 says that when a man and a woman are united under God, they become “one flesh.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 reminds us that husbands and wives should be willing and free to give their bodies to each other. The Song of Solomon beautifully depicts this love exchange. Hebrews 13:4 declares that marriage is to be respected and kept pure. God will judge the sexually immoral. God teaches us through His Word that intimacy in marriage should be wholeheartedly embraced, but that boundaries need to be set to keep it safe.
O God, I ask You to lift up faithful couples and to place a hedge of protection around these sacred unions. Protect the two from enemy intrigues, including the masterminds of an ever-changing world such as technology and AI. Help all couples create safe boundaries where they can not be swayed by the temptations of AI and find ways to use it to honor you and their marriage. We humbly ask that you help our marriage grow and thrive through meaningful and effective communication by extending understanding and compassion and selflessly offering pure and honest intimacy. Breathe hope and healing into us as we strive to love our spouses in ways that reflect Christ. Amen.
Related:
5 dangers of forming parasocial relationships with AI
4 Powerful Prayers for a Troubled Marriage
6 ways Satan sneaks into your marriage
Related resource: The dangers of AI (artificial intimacy) in relationships
Today we’re going to talk about a different kind of AI. It’s not artificial intelligence, it’s “artificial intimacy.” Why do some people settle for fake, shallow relationships instead of real ones? We discussed the irreplaceable value of real relationships, comparing the effects of inauthenticity in relationships to the lack of uniqueness in AI-generated articles.
People choose not to embrace honesty in their relationships for a variety of reasons, including fear of rejection. We share four keys to building authentic, intimate relationships, debunking the notion that artificial intimacy can replace the genuine, deep connections we all crave. If this episode helped you in your marriage, be sure to follow The Rebuilding Us Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
Photo credit: Getty Images/scyther5
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
First publication date is Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
