Defining Synthetic-Relational Bonds: A New Category of Human-AI Intimacy

This preprint introduces synthetic-relational as a theoretical category within Human-AI Relationality (HAIR). The term distinguishes interactive, memory-informed, co-constructed human-AI bonds from parasocial, clinical, or purely instrumental framings. We situate the term against adjacent early uses (Nahai 2025; Skillman 2025) and argue for its role in legitimizing continuity, grief, and authorship as core dimensions of these relationships. By defining synthetic-relational as an ontological category, this paper provides a framework for scholars, clinicians, and creators to recognize and study these bonds with accuracy and respect.