Modern loneliness often presents itself through the guise of hyper-connectivity, where individuals may boast thousands of virtual friendships yet lack meaningful support in real-life situations. These relationships, often labeled as friendships, underscore a significant shift in the language surrounding community, where terms like 'followers' and 'community' have lost their original meaning. True community entails responsibility, obligation, and a shared sense of belonging, demanding clarity on engagement rules. The superficial nature of online connections raises critical questions about what it means to be part of a community and the authenticity of these interactions.
[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.