It’s hard to escape AI’s tentacular reach into more aspects of everyday life. It has already infiltrated dating apps, for example, with algorithms making decisions, writing profiles and even coaching people on how to talk to prospective interests. It was only a matter of time before AI itself became the prospective interest.

We were given a heads-up about intimacy and AI. Spike Jonze’s 2013 movie “Her,” which starred Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson, explored the inception and progression of a human-AI relationship. And in the past year, as people have used AI as substitutes for personal assistants, life coaches and therapists, it should have come as no surprise that some of us would fall for them.

The University of Manitoba’s Neil McArthur, a philosopher and ethicist who studies sex and technology, argues that there are benefits to AI “lovers,” and that we shouldn’t judge people who use them. Who wouldn’t want an AI as a romantic partner, McArthur asks, with their pleasant demeanor and uncomplicated affections?

Falling in love with a chatbot carries risks, like the service being terminated or privacy concerns. But AI partners have much to offer in the way of support, safety and fun, he says.

“We should respect the choices people make about their intimate lives when those choices don’t harm anyone else,” writes McArthur.

Also, there’s no danger – yet anyway – of AI replacing human lovers.