Modern Wisdom – #659 – Rob Brooks – Why Are People Falling In Love With Robots?

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, host Chris Williamson explores the topic of artificial intimacy and its impact on relationships with biologist Rob Brooks. They discuss the potential consequences of integrating machines into our lives, including sex robots, and the challenges and vulnerabilities that arise from these relationships. The conversation delves into the psychological mechanisms at play and the ethical concerns surrounding artificial intimacy.

Main Takeaways

Artificial Intimacy and Relationships

• Artificial intimacy is the integration of machines into our lives, from algorithms to sex robots.
• It is becoming a reality and has potential impact on the future of relationships.
• The legality of marrying a robot is uncertain.
• Artificial intimacy may lead to people retreating from the real world.
• There are concerns about supermarkets communicating with sex toys.

The Influence of AI and Machines

• Computers and AI are proving many prognostications wrong.
• Machines have the potential to deliver good things, but also to mess with our heads.
• Vulnerabilities in our mating and attachment psychology can be triggered by machines.
• Machines can exploit people for money through personalized approaches learned from the internet.
• Machines can help us feel heard and loved, but also make us do things we might not want to do.

The Rise of Artificial Intimacy

• Loneliness and disconnection are becoming a massive epidemic.
• Some people are forming relationships with technology to combat this.
• Dave Cat is famous for marrying a sex doll named Shidori and has multiple doll girlfriends.
• There is a human aspect to these relationships, but they are not without their challenges.
• Sex toys and technology are advancing to provide more intimate and connected experiences, including long-distance coordination and synchronization.

The Impact and Concerns of Artificial Intimacy

• Artificial intimacy can be used to manipulate people into buying things they don’t need or to influence elections.
• The amount of data companies have on individuals can lead to manipulation without proper safeguards.
• Companies are using large amounts of data to discover insights into human behavior.
• The psychological capacity for intimacy is the ability to think of the other person as part of ourselves.
• The upper bound for machines to replicate intimacy is unknown and raises questions about the psychological mechanisms being pushed and pulled.

Summary

Artificial Intimacy and Relationships

Artificial intimacy, encompassing everything from algorithms to sex robots, is becoming increasingly prevalent and has the potential to impact the future of relationships. The legality of marrying a robot remains uncertain, and there are concerns about individuals retreating from the real world due to artificial intimacy. Additionally, the communication between supermarkets and sex toys raises ethical concerns.

The Influence of AI and Machines

Machines and AI have the potential to deliver positive experiences, but they can also manipulate and exploit individuals. Vulnerabilities in our mating and attachment psychology can be triggered by machines, leading to unintended consequences. The advancement of personalized approaches learned from the internet raises concerns about exploitation. While machines can provide a sense of being heard and loved, they can also coerce individuals into unwanted actions.

The Rise of Artificial Intimacy

Loneliness and disconnection are becoming widespread issues, prompting some individuals to form relationships with technology as a means of combating these feelings. Notably, Dave Cat gained fame for marrying a sex doll and having multiple doll girlfriends. The development of sex toys and technology allows for more intimate and connected experiences, including long-distance coordination and synchronization.

The Impact and Concerns of Artificial Intimacy

Artificial intimacy raises concerns about manipulation and the potential for companies to exploit individuals for financial gain or influence elections. The vast amount of data companies possess enables them to manipulate individuals without proper safeguards. Companies are utilizing this data to gain insights into human behavior. The psychological capacity for intimacy and the unknown upper bounds for machines to replicate it raise questions about the ethical and psychological implications of artificial intimacy.

Conclusion

The integration of machines into our lives, particularly in the realm of intimacy, poses both opportunities and challenges. Artificial intimacy has the potential to combat loneliness and provide companionship, but it also raises concerns about manipulation, exploitation, and the erosion of genuine human connections. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to approach the issue of artificial intimacy with an open mind and consider the potential consequences and ethical implications.