Science fiction has long been fascinated by the idea of humans becoming friends with computers. And the dream of an always-on digital companion you can talk to day or night is closer than ever before, thanks to advances in AI software in recent years. But research into one of the leading AI companion companies and its users has flagged concerns among those who are spending hours a day chatting to their personal AI friends. Is developing this kind of pseudo-intimate relationship with a computer helpful or harmful?

We also discuss the latest developments in the Mike Pilavachi/Soul Survivor abuse scandal, now that high profile Christian worship leaders and pastors such as Matt Redman and Tim Hughes have revealed they are among Pilavachi’s victims. How should we think about their revelations, and could they have done more to blow the whistle on their mentor much earlier?

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