Cogley, Ellie, Matthews, Timothy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9955-6524 and Finnegan, Daniel J (2026) “Am I now masking, even with a bot?” Pseudo-social bonding between autistic adults and LLMs. In: 39th International BCS Human-Computer Interaction Conference 2026 (BRITCHI26). Electronic Workshops in Computing . BCS Learning & Development Ltd (eWiC series), Swindon, UK, pp. 435-444. ISSN 1477-9358 (doi:10.14236/ewic/BRITCHI26.46)

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Abstract

Pseudo-social bonding – the formation of one-sided, socially meaningful bonds with entities that cannot meaningfully reciprocate them – is increasingly shaped by AI chatbots’ capacity to simulate social reciprocity in ways that convincingly mirror human interaction. Autistic adults exhibit anthropomorphic tendencies more frequently and into adulthood than non-autistic individuals. This raises questions about how such tendencies shape the pseudo-social bonds autistic adults form with AI chatbots, and the associated risks of harm. We present a seven-day diary study exploring pseudo-social bonding among 25 autistic and allistic adults interacting daily with a custom chatbot, using thematic analysis of open-ended diary and exit survey responses. Bonding patterns differed between groups, though relational, moral treatment of the chatbot itself was broadly shared. We identify several autism-specific interaction patterns, including masking, infodumping, and variation in trust and forgiveness towards the chatbot, and discuss implications for future chatbot design.

Anna Cox and Aneesha Singh (Technical Programme Chairs)
Monica Pereira and Mark Perry (General Chairs

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Title of Proceedings:	39th International BCS Human-Computer Interaction Conference 2026 (BRITCHI26)
Additional Information:	Conference name: 39th International BCS Human-Computer Interaction Conference 2026 (BRITCHI26) Conference theme: "Digital Bridges – exploring the digital connections and social impact that technology can make." Conference date: 1–3 November 2026. Brunel University, UK
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Human-AI interaction, pseudo-social bonding, autism, diary study, chatbot
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Mental Health Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2026 14:45
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54935

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