Connecting Beyond Apps & AI

Why AI relationships represent a major temptation, why to resist it, and how to set strong boundaries. Including:

• The impact of AI relationships on childhood development
• Why AI relationships are like breathing through a straw
• Why emotional numbing via smartphone use leads to skills atrophy
• Envisioning a positive future where connecting in real life is the cool thing to do

Episode links:

Leanne | Mindful Tech

https://www.youtube.com/@RebootingConnection

Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:

⁠https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/⁠

⁠https://interfaceofus.substack.com/⁠

00:00 Introduction

02:08 Research on AI relationships

03:55 How Leanne got into AI

06:37 Building resilience against AI dependency

14:48 The risk of AI on childhood

17:51 The power of oxytocin

18:40 Choosing AI or reality

23:01 How AI impacts self-image

27:01 Nobody should own reality

33:59 The role of community

36:49 Social norms & media addiction

40:29 Media as diet

42:26 A positive future

44:57 One thing you can do today

Exploring the return of structured in-person dating communities with Jennifer Mann, CEO and founder of Meet at the Mirror, an Austin-based intentional dating community.

• How in-person dating communities are a remedy to dating app fatigue and design problems
• Why investing in community is worth it compared to the 'instant results' promise of dating apps
• Paradox of choice & the shopping mindset in apps vs. real-life connection
• The value of community beyond just finding your significant other
• How to find the right communities for you

Episode links:

Meet at the Mirror:

https://www.meetatthemirror.com/

https://www.instagram.com/meet.at.the.mirror/

Connecting Beyond Apps & AI:

https://www.connectingbeyondpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/connecting.beyond.podcast/

https://interfaceofus.substack.com/

00:00 Intro

01:01 Research on dating apps

02:31 What is Meet at the Mirror?

04:22 Investing in community

09:38 Marketing a non-dopamine based dating solution

12:44 Balancing play & learning

19:31 Growth vs. Accepting yourself

24:33 Scaling in-person dating

32:41 How to find community

35:21 How to take risks