Relationships in the Age of AI

People interact with artificial intelligence (AI) in a variety of ways, including casting it as a business collaborator, a friend, or even a
romantic partner. As the use of AI spreads and deepens, many people are voicing concern about the risks
it poses to interpersonal relationships, while others point to its possible benefits. Where does the truth lie?
Do human-to-human relationships stand to gain or lose as we incorporate AI into this once exclusively
human domain? Do even nonrelationship applications of AI threaten our interpersonal relationships?

• What weight do you give the possible risks and benefits—to self and/or to others—of developing relationships with AI?
• At their core, are relationships with AI different from relationships with humans? If so, how are they different? What are the consequences of these differences?
• What are best practices for maximizing benefit and minimizing harm from AI-based relationships? Warnings? Age restrictions? Time limits? Chaperones? Complete abstention? Or should we approach AI with unbridled enthusiasm?
• If you have personal experience with an AI relationship, and if you feel comfortable sharing: How would you describe your experience? Was it what you expected? Why did you choose to initiate the relationship? If you ended the relationship, why did you end it? Was the experience a net positive or negative?
• Does AI affect human relationships in ways besides those associated with AI-based relationships? For example, what are the consequences of people receiving a text or email from a friend or partner and suspecting (or even just wondering) if it was written by AI? What other effects could the existence of AI have on human relationships?

How are people interacting with AI relationally?

• https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/flesh-and-code/id1817383627
• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a71281231/ai-companions-sex-chatbots/

How does AI change our brains in ways that might influence our relationships?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW6FMgOzklw
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe_HPYh3q0Y

What are some relational consequences of AI?

• https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/chatgpt-addiction-chatbots-recovery-7977308e
• https://www.fastcompany.com/91546546/ai-is-eating-jobs-but-theres-a-bigger-threat
• https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ai-for-breakup-texts-how-sycophantic-chatbots-are-messing-with-our-ability-to-handle-difficult-social-situations

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In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat