New research shows about half of people in a relationship with an AI companion are also in a regular human relationship, according to Raffaele Ciriello, an expert at the University of Sydney, who says it is debated whether this constitutes cheating. AI companions like Replika and Character.AI are software programs that mimic human-like relationships, offering constant availability and personalised support, which Dr Ciriello says makes them powerful for emotional and sexual purposes. Sexologist Isiah McKimmie notes they are appealing because they are available anytime and do not have their own needs. Research from Canada found half of 1,815 people surveyed would consider a partner's romantic AI companion use as infidelity, with reactions as negative as those toward dating apps and webcamming, and more negative than reactions to AI pornography and sex toys.