In her research, Desiree Popelka is focusing on the rise of singlehood in Switzerland. One of the key elements she considers in her study, approached from an evolutionary perspective, is the role of technology. She is looking at how chatbots, AI- girlfriend apps, and platforms such as OnlyFans may impact women’s and men’s perceptions, needs and experiences of romantic relationships. Referring to her data and to other studies, she talks about some of the positive aspects and the more critical impacts these technologies seem to have on narcissism, loneliness, and also on our growing inability to adapt to surprise, which plays a central role in social relations. Also, she imagines the positive uses that could be developed for instance by using it with an educational purpose, even in relationships. She discusses her own use of AI technologies, which she is trying to reduce, and presents her upcoming projects while emphasizing the need, in her opinion, for more studies to be allocated to these topics.

Design, production and moderation : Anne Laure Gannac