Vauhini Vara

Vauhini Vara, an insightful author and editor, discusses her journey exploring selfhood through conversations with A.I. She questions whether these interactions can rival those with friends or therapists. The conversation touches on how A.I. shapes our identities based on shared data, and humorously addresses its limitations in understanding human emotions. Vara also reflects on the darker implications of social media on mental health and authentic expression, offering a thought-provoking perspective on navigating personal and digital realms.

Vauhini Vara, an award-winning journalist and novelist, chats with Aarthi Vadde, co-founder of Novel Dialogue and editor of a Norton Anthology. They dive into how big tech influences our understanding of communication and personal identity. Topics include the evolving roles of AI in writing, the blurred lines between fiction and nonfiction, and the potential impact of large language models like ChatGPT. Their conversation reveals a thoughtful examination of tech's role in literature while maintaining a humorous perspective on co-writing with AI.

In this enlightening discussion, Vauhini Vara, a tech journalist and novelist renowned for her collection "Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age," explores the profound intersections of technology and grief. She shares her experience of processing her sister's death through conversations with an early version of ChatGPT. The talk dives into how technology shapes personal identity and creativity, the ethical implications of AI in art, and the tension between human emotion and machine interaction. Vara prompts listeners to reflect on their own experiences with technology and self-expression.