Intelligent Machines (Audio) IM 843: Immortal Beloved, You've Arrived - AI's Emotional Intelligence Paradox
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Oct 30, 2025 
Dr. Alan Cowen, chief scientist and founder of Hume AI, dives into the intriguing world of AI's emotional intelligence. He explores whether AI can truly empathize or if it merely manipulates emotions. Cowen discusses the concept of emotional affordances and the ethical implications of AI's role in enhancing human well-being. The conversation touches on the risks of parasocial relationships, the challenges of synthetic voices, and the potential loneliness caused by AI interactions. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of emotion and technology!
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AI Can Simulate But Not Feel Emotions
- AI can emulate and predict human emotional expressions without actually feeling them.
- Alan Cowen says models should optimize for human well-being, not internal feelings.
Optimize For Well‑Being Not Engagement
- Optimize AI for long‑term well‑being metrics instead of shallow engagement signals.
- Measure outcomes like reported happiness and objective health to guide behavior.
What 'Understand' Means For AI
- 'Understanding' for AI means modeling effects of actions, not conscious feeling.
- Cowen frames AI understanding as the ability to predict consequences for people.
