Your Undivided Attention

Esther Perel on Artificial Intimacy (rerun)

Sep 6, 2024

Acclaimed psychotherapist Esther Perel dives into the unsettling concept of 'Artificial Intimacy' and its impact on relationships. She warns that reliance on technology can lead to alienation rather than connection. The discussion highlights the ethical concerns of virtual interactions, emphasizing the need for authentic human experiences. They explore the role of technology in shaping intimacy and the importance of balancing digital and physical interactions to foster genuine connections. Perel encourages embracing the full spectrum of human emotions for deeper relationships.

44:52

Creator website

Episode guests

Esther Perel

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Esther Perel highlights that the rise of artificial intimacy undermines genuine connections, leading to alienation despite increased digital interactions.

The podcast advocates for technology redesign that prioritizes enhancing real relationships, emphasizing the necessity of authentic human connections over mere convenience.

Deep dives

The Impact of Technology on Relationships

The conversation emphasizes how technology influences human relationships, specifically how it has shifted the dynamics of intimacy and connection. Ester Perel highlights that while technological advancements have provided numerous benefits, they often overshadow the essential human interactions necessary for meaningful relationships. She argues that society fails to prioritize relational health, with technology conferences focusing on areas like climate change or transportation, neglecting the equally vital topic of relationships. This oversight raises concerns about the implications for individuals who increasingly rely on technology for connections rather than fostering deep, personal bonds.

Embrace the Unknown to Find Yourself

01:50

Neglecting relationships and technological discourse

00:45

Hyper-Connectivity Masks True Loneliness

00:58

Prioritize Relationships in Technology

01:31

Intro

2min

Tech and Ties: Navigating Digital Relationships

5min

Artificial Intimacy and Human Connection

23min

The Role of Transitional Objects in Emotional Development

2min

Embracing the Full Spectrum of Human Experience

2min

Envisioning a Hybrid Connection

11min

[This episode originally aired on August 17, 2023] For all the talk about AI, we rarely hear about how it will change our relationships. As we swipe to find love and consult chatbot therapists, acclaimed psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel warns that there’s another harmful “AI” on the rise — Artificial Intimacy — and how it is depriving us of real connection. Tristan and Esther discuss how depending on algorithms can fuel alienation, and then imagine how we might design technology to strengthen our social bonds.

RECOMMENDED MEDIA

Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel

Esther's debut work on the intricacies behind modern relationships, and the dichotomy of domesticity and sexual desire

The State of Affairs by Esther Perel

Esther takes a look at modern relationships through the lens of infidelity

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Listen in as real couples in search of help bare the raw and profound details of their stories

How’s Work? with Esther Perel

Esther’s podcast that focuses on the hard conversations we're afraid to have at work

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

A young man strikes up an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the internet

Her (2013)