Would you date a chatbot? That might sound an unlikely proposition but new research suggests that 1 in 10 Gen Zers has engaged romantically with an AI companion. This looks like the next frontier in internet dating; one that could reshape how our society functions. Or is this just a case of a few weirdos on the web claiming to tabloid journalists that they're married to their iPhone? This week, we'll be trying to unravel some of the mysteries around AI companions and the growing romantic and sexual connections people feel with them.

My guest is James Muldoon, a sociologist based at the University of Essex and author of the recent book Love Machines: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Our Relationships. James has been researching this topic for a while now and talking to lots of people who have differing interactions with – and, yes, relationships with – AI companions. The book is packed with interesting case studies, a few of which we’ll touch upon in this conversation, so do stick around and listen.

This is a Podot podcast.

Hosted by Nick Hilton.

With James Muldoon.

Theme music is 'Internet Song' by Apes of the State.

Cover artwork is by Tom Humberstone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.