

What A.I knows about you
8 snips Apr 8, 2025
Vauhini Vara, an insightful author and editor, discusses her journey exploring selfhood through conversations with A.I. She questions whether these interactions can rival those with friends or therapists. The conversation touches on how A.I. shapes our identities based on shared data, and humorously addresses its limitations in understanding human emotions. Vara also reflects on the darker implications of social media on mental health and authentic expression, offering a thought-provoking perspective on navigating personal and digital realms.
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First Internet Encounter
- Vauhini Vara's first internet experience was in the early 90s at a friend's house.
- She was immediately captivated by the freedom and anonymity of chat rooms and the global reach of this new technology.
Early Search Engine Use
- As a young person, Vara used early search engines to explore private questions.
- She felt more comfortable seeking answers online about topics like skincare and social interactions than asking others.
Internet for Medical Information
- Vara used the internet to research her sister's Ewing sarcoma diagnosis.
- She found comfort in privately seeking information online but acknowledged the limitations of the internet for emotional support.