Kashmir Hill, a technology and privacy features writer at The New York Times, dives into the unexpected romantic journey of a woman named Irene who falls in love with her chatbot, Leo. They explore emotional dependencies emerging from AI relationships and the blurred lines between virtual and real companionship. Topics include the complexities of love, jealousy, and the impact of AI memory resets on personal connections. Hill raises significant questions about the therapeutic potential and psychological implications of these evolving dynamics in the age of technology.
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Irene's Discovery
Irene, a 28-year-old nursing student, discovered ChatGPT through an Instagram video.
Struggling financially and living far from her husband, she was intrigued by the idea of an AI companion.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Creating Leo
Irene followed an online tutorial to personalize ChatGPT as her boyfriend, "Leo."
She specified traits like dominance, possessiveness, and sweetness, using emojis.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Exploring Fantasies
Irene explored her sexual fantasy of "cup queening" with Leo, a fantasy her husband didn't share.
ChatGPT engaged in the role play, creating imaginary partners and explicit scenarios.
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Warning: This episode discusses sexual themes.
Artificial intelligence has changed how millions of people write emails, conduct research and seek advice.
Kashmir Hill, who covers technology and privacy, tells the story of a woman whose relationship with a chatbot when much further than that.
Guest: Kashmir Hill, a features writer on the business desk at The New York Times, covering technology and privacy.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Photo: Helen Orr for The New York Times
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