Millions of people are finding companionship -- or even love -- with AI bots. (The heart wants what the heart wants.) In this episode of AI-Curious, we dive into the strange, sticky, and sometimes surprisingly emotional world of AI romantic partners.
We’re joined by author and historian Jennifer Wright, who recently wrote a sharp op-ed for The Washington Post titled “Please Break Up With Your AI Lover.” While millions are already turning to AI bots for companionship, Jennifer makes a compelling case for why this trend—though rooted in real loneliness—could be deeply damaging to our ability to connect, to grow, to give love.
We unpack:
- The surface problems of AI boyfriends/girlfriends, from poor memory to the illusion of affection
- Why constant flattery from bots may feel good—but ultimately erodes something essential in real relationships
- The importance of sacrifice, caregiving, and challenge in human connection
- Whether AI companions, even with future upgrades, can ever replicate the messy magic of real love
- What AI fiction gets wrong—and why most AI-generated stories are (still) terrible
- Her take on AI and historical accuracy, and the troubling implications of getting facts wrong at scale
- Why creativity matters even when the output is bad—and what we lose when we outsource it
Plus, Jennifer gives us a preview of her next book about America’s Gilded Age, and we swap war stories about terrible first novels, romantic relationships, and the puppy-induced joys of caretaking.
Let’s get curious.
Links from this episode:
- Jennifer Wright’s Washington Post op-ed: Please Break Up With Your AI Lover
- Jennifer’s latest book: Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist
- Jennifer’s upcoming book: Glitz, Glam, and a Damn Good Time: How Mamie Fish, Queen of the Gilded Age, Partied Her Way to Power.
🎧 Subscribe to AI-Curious:
• Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-curious-with-jeff-wilser/id1703130308
• Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/70a9Xbhu5XQ47YOgVTE44Q?si=c31e2c02d8b64f1b
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https://www.youtube.com/@jeffwilser
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