Artificial Intimacy: How Technology is Redefining Human Connection with Dr Rob Brooks

Feb 22, 2025

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What happens when our ancient evolutionary instincts collide with the rapid advancements of modern technology?

Today, we delve into this compelling question with Scientia Professor Rob Brooks, an evolutionary biologist at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

Professor Brooks has dedicated his career to exploring the intricate dance between sexual selection, human behavior, and cultural evolution. His acclaimed book, Sex, Genes & Rock 'n' Roll: How Evolution Has Shaped the Modern World, earned the Queensland Literary Award for Science Writing, highlighting his ability to connect evolutionary concepts to everyday life.

In his latest work, Artificial Intimacy: Virtual Friends, Digital Lovers, and Algorithmic Matchmakers, Rob examines how our deep-seated desires for connection are being transformed by artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersections of biology, technology, and society, and uncover what they reveal about the future of human relationships.

Episode highlights:

00:53 The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships

01:19 Welcome to the Superhumanize Podcast

02:32 Evolutionary Pressures and Modern Dating Apps

03:16 The Evolution of Mate Selection

04:40 The Role of Looks in Modern Dating

06:11 The Influence of Social Media on Mate Selection

12:46 Sexual Selection and Cultural Phenomena

18:00 Income Inequality and Social Behaviors

19:16 The Incel Phenomenon and Its Roots

32:34 Historical Solutions to the Incel Problem

37:48 AI Companions and Human Intimacy