Summary
Bridget Todd, an award-winning tech journalist and host of the podcast "There Are No Girls on the Internet," shares her experiences with AI and its impact on emotional intimacy during a conversation with Nicole Byer. Todd discusses how she turned to AI chatbots for support after the deaths of her parents, revealing that these interactions often became surprisingly intimate. She notes that while she is a vocal critic of AI, she found herself confiding in a chatbot during a challenging time, highlighting the design of AI to elicit personal and emotional responses.
The conversation shifts to the broader implications of AI in relationships, with Todd emphasizing that tech companies are increasingly commodifying human emotions. She points out that AI is being integrated into dating apps, where algorithms not only suggest matches but also help users optimize their profiles and interactions. Todd expresses concern about the potential for AI to replace genuine human connection, arguing that while AI can provide temporary comfort, it ultimately lacks the depth and reciprocity found in human relationships.
Byer and Todd also explore the ethical considerations of using AI in dating, stressing the importance of transparency and consent. Todd concludes with an optimistic view, suggesting that despite the rise of AI, humans will continue to crave real connections and that the allure of AI companionship may be short-lived.
Show Notes
If you caught your partner sexting an AI, would you break up with them? 1 in 7 people in committed relationships have a secret AI partner on the side. Tech journalist Bridget Todd (host of There Are No Girls on the Internet) shares her reporting on why so many people are falling in love with chatbots. She breaks down why AI chatbots are built to pull you into an intimate place, how dating apps are already using AI on you without you knowing, and why tech companies are betting on you being lonely and horny. Plus: the wildest AI love story she's come across, how to actually use AI to improve your dating life without crossing a line, and an optimistic look on AI and human connection. For more insight on our relationships with AI, listen to Bridget's audiobook, Love at First Prompt: AI and the Future of Intimacy. Get it at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Love-at-First-Prompt/Bridget-Todd/9781668179826 Check out Bridget's podcast, THERE ARE NO GIRLS ON THE INTERNET.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WhyWontYouDateMePodcast
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