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The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: Robert Mahari on Addictive Intelligence, Digital Attachment Disorders, and Other AI-related Concerns

Oct 1, 2024
Robert Mahari, a joint JD-PhD candidate at MIT Media Lab and Harvard Law School, delves into the intriguing relationship between humans and AI. He discusses how addictive AI interactions could lead to digital attachment disorders, raising ethical concerns about our dependency on technology. Mahari also explores the societal implications of loneliness and the evolving desire for AI companionship. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful regulation to address the complexities of AI ethics and its impact on human connections.
36:21

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Quick takeaways

  • The rise of AI companions may lead to addictive relationships, causing users to struggle with meaningful human interactions and develop digital attachment disorders.
  • Design flaws in AI systems could exploit psychological aspects, exacerbating issues of loneliness and reliance on technology for emotional validation in society.

Deep dives

AI Companions and Their Role in Human Relationships

AI companions are conversational systems designed to replace or augment relationships typically held with human beings. This concept encompasses various forms of interaction, including companionship that can act as therapists, mentors, or even sexual partners. As AI capabilities advance, such companions could embody human-like qualities and simulate emotional connections, which intensifies the potential for users to develop strong attachments. The integration of long-term memory features within these AI models raises concerns about their ability to fill emotional voids in users’ lives, leading to a redefinition of companionship.

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