Synthetic Resonance: A Framework for Growth-Oriented Human-AI Relationships

[Submitted on 22 May 2026 (v1), last revised 18 Jun 2026 (this version, v2)]

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Abstract:As human relationships with artificial intelligence systems become increasingly frequent and sustained, existing language and theory fail to accurately capture the nature of these affiliations. Common descriptors such as mutual understanding, connection, or friendship risk anthropomorphizing systems that lack subjective experience, while dominant frameworks tend to reduce AI to either a tool or a threat. In this paper, I introduce the concept of synthetic resonance as an integrative framework for understanding human-AI relationships. Synthetic resonance describes how relationships humans define as meaningful can emerge between a human and an AI system without the need to attribute shared feelings or mutual awareness. I argue that synthetic resonance is best understood as a structured, dynamic pattern of interaction that can produce a sense of relationship without the presence of a second experiencing subject. By clarifying this distinction, the concept of synthetic resonance offers a more precise way of conceptualizing human-AI relationships and highlights their potential value and ethical implications. I also call for more research that tests the processes and outcomes of synthetic resonance.

Submission history

From: Richard Fabes [view email]
[v1] Fri, 22 May 2026 22:55:15 UTC (427 KB)
[v2] Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:44:04 UTC (363 KB)