Social intimacy and skewed love: A study of the attachment relationship between internet group young users and a digital human

Interactions between human beings and digital humans have become a new network phenomenon, and these relationships have gradually become a topic of research. There is still a lack of sufficient research on whether and what kind of attachment relationship exists in these situations. Based on this problem, in this study, a digital human was designed that was oriented to social software and put into chat groups for interaction and research. A questionnaire survey, case analysis, and netnography analysis were used to collect and examine relevant data. The study found a correlation between the type of attachment of users and the degree of attachment to the digital human. In addition, users who were heavily dependent on the network were more likely to try to complete their attachment with the digital human. Attachment with the digital human was able to calm the users’ emotional intensity. This attachment was considered as close to a skewed desire projection. Through the intermediary of a digital human, Internet users have been better able to fulfill some of their own desires. •Users' attachment to digital humans is related to the type of attachment they have•Internet-dependent users tend to have a stronger attachment to digital humans•Attachment to a digital human can soothe intense emotions and provide security•Users may transfer deep emotions and imagination to digital humans