New Religious Movement
AI-companion / chatbot cult communities (umbrella)
25/40· HighConfidence: Low
Umbrella entry for the emerging 2024+ phenomenon of cult-like communities forming around AI companions / chatbots (Replika, Character.AI). Documented parasocial harm and online-community formation.
CLCI radar
High Control
BITE breakdown
Behavior Control5/10
Information Control6/10
Thought Control7/10
Emotional Control7/10
Modifiers (+0)
0 — umbrella for the emerging 2024+ phenomenon of cult-like communities forming around AI companions / chatbots.
Founded
2020s+
Members
Difficult to count; collectively millions of users
Active in
Global
In context
Multiple 2024+ press investigations have documented intense parasocial relationships between users and AI chatbots (Replika, Character.AI) including documented suicide cases. Distinct from previous online-cult patterns through the AI-mediated nature of the parasocial relationship.
Legal cases & controversies
- Garcia v. Character.AI (2024)
Timeline
- 2024Garcia v. Character.AI lawsuit filed
Sources
- Various 2024+ press coverage including Garcia v. Character.AI suit
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.
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Disclaimer. This profile is an educational summary based on publicly available reports. Many members of this group do not experience the patterns described. Individual congregations and chapters vary widely. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a licensed therapist or the International Cultic Studies Association.