The increasing prevalence of AI companions and their impact on human intimacy is explored. Bryony Cole discusses how relationships with AI change our understanding of love, highlighting the lack of effort and the sense of control they offer. Cole presents data showing that a significant percentage of American teenagers and single adults have formed relationships with AI. She introduces a three-question checklist to promote healthy relationships with AI, emphasizing the importance of embracing the messiness of human interaction, discerning whether AI is used for practice or hiding, and setting boundaries to protect uniquely human connections. Cole warns against optimizing intimacy for efficiency and advocates for preserving the uncomfortable, unreliable aspects of human presence. She argues that these messy relationships teach invaluable lessons about being alive together.
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