The evolution of artificial intimacy through technology is influencing and reshaping human relationships, addressing the rising loneliness crisis, decreased sexual relationships, and the need for deep connections. There is a lack of vocabulary in discussing relationship breakdowns and intimacy, which is where a deeper understanding of human ergonomics in technology, or the 'other AI,' comes in. An example of this is creating AI replicas of individuals for emotional support, leading to profound experiences and insights. This new form of artificial intimacy offers unique ways for individuals to interact with technology and bridge the gap in human connections.
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.