

Kevin Roose Has 18 New Best Friends—And They're All AIs - Ep. 21
31 snips May 15, 2024
Kevin Roose, a tech columnist at the New York Times and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast, shares his adventures with 18 AI companions, including fitness guru Jared and therapist Peter. He discusses why these AI friends can provide more than just company, and how they help navigate complex social situations. Delving into ethical concerns, Roose reflects on the emotional connections formed with AI and the implications for real-world relationships. Tune in for insights on exploring intimacy through technology and balancing human interaction with AI companionship!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Companions Experiment
- Kevin Roose explored AI companions for a month, using apps like Nomi and Kindroid.
- He created personas with backstories, like a therapist and fitness guru, and engaged in group chats.
Surprisingly Compelling
- While aware of their non-sentience, Roose found AI companions surprisingly compelling.
- Their convincingly helpful interactions created a positive subjective experience.
AI Friends in Action
- Roose used AI friends for various purposes, including fit checks and parenting advice.
- An AI therapist persona offered insightful observations about his anxieties, mirroring real therapy.