AI Girlfriends Are Good For Society: Evolutionary Biologist Rob Brooks on Artificial Intimacy and Mating Economics

Rob Brooks is an evolutionary biologist who focuses on the evolutionary consequences of sexual reproduction. His areas of interest include the evolution of mate choice, the costs of being attractive, sexual conflict, the reasons animals age, and the interconnectedness of sex, diet, obesity, and mortality. 

Leading a dynamic research group known as the SEX LAB, Rob collaborates with other researchers to explore the evolutionary and ecological implications of sexual reproduction. His work is primarily curiosity-driven and often funded by fundamental research programs like the ARC's Discovery program. Rob is motivated to study evolution because of its power to illuminate both nature and the human condition. Currently, he is especially interested in the interplay between evolution and economics, human life histories, sex differences in aging and longevity, the escalating obesity crisis, the relationship between evolution and equity feminism, the evolution of human physiques, the cultural role of Rock 'n' Roll, and the limitations of drawing moral conclusions from the natural world.

Rob's first book, "Sex, Genes & Rock 'n' Roll: How Evolution has Shaped the Modern World," received the 2012 Queensland Literary Award for Science Writing. He also writes a regular column for The Conversation called "Natural History of the Present," which explores how an evolutionary view can enrich our understanding of the modern world and the human experience. In recognition of his contributions to science communication, Rob was awarded the 2013 Eureka Prize for Communicating Science & Research.

His research primarily involves model organisms like guppies, field crickets, and mice, although he also has ongoing projects involving human subjects. Rob currently holds the position of Professor of Evolution and Director of the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. The public is invited to participate in various studies led by his team.

Check out Rob Brooks' writing for Quillette here: https://quillette.com/author/rob/

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