As robots and artificial intelligence reached new heights, the relationship between humans and machines is getting closer. The sex tech industry is worth $30 billion annually and growing, as sex with synthetic companions is becoming far more widespread. But should it be? What are the social consequences? Some argue that sex robots will encourage bad behavior ... Show More
Oct 9
Think Twice: Navigating the Election Cycle & Civic Power with Eric Liu
Amid deep political division and ahead of the midterms, what does good citizenship require? In his new book, “Live Like a Citizen,” Citizen University’s Eric Liu argues that democracy depends on citizenship as an everyday practice — learning to listen, participate, disagree, chan ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2023
Episode 194: Sex Dolls, Sex Robots, and Chatbots
<p>Modern sextech is rapidly changing the way people gratify their sexual and intimate desires. Sex dolls, sex robots, and chatbots are starting to become more accessible and popular. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss who is using these new technologies, their motivations, ... Show More
32m 15s
May 2024
AI Girlfriends are Here to Turn us into Baby Making Machines
<p>Recently, Twitter was set ablaze by another creepy move by the incel community: AI generated women to have sex with while pumping into a boxed fleshlight. The viral video, which promises to put an end to declining birth rates, has sparked debates on the morality of combining i ... Show More
28m 56s
Aug 2024
How our relationships are changing in the age of 'artificial intimacy'
Early adopters are flocking to AI bots for therapy, friendship, even love. How will these relationships impact us? MIT sociologist Sherry Turkle delves into her new research on "artificial intimacy." Later in the episode, host Manoush Zomorodi speaks with Somnium Space founder Ar ... Show More
49m 37s
Jul 2024
Body Electric: If a bot relationship FEELS real, should we care that it's not?
Thanks to advances in AI, chatbots can act as personalized therapists, companions, and romantic partners. The apps offering these services have been downloaded millions of times. If these relationships relieve stress and make us feel better, does it matter that they're not "real" ... Show More
27m 40s
Feb 2025
She Fell in Love With ChatGPT. Like, Actual Love. With Sex.
<p><i>Warning: This episode discusses sexual themes.</i></p><p>Artificial intelligence has changed how millions of people write emails, conduct research and seek advice.</p><p>Kashmir Hill, who covers technology and privacy, tells the story of a woman whose relationship with a ch ... Show More
32m 28s
Nov 2023
Episode 244: The Future of Sex Toys
<p>What does the future hold when it comes to sex toys? Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics are just a few of the many emerging technologies that are likely to become an increasingly big part of the way that we experience pleasure. In this episode, we’re ... Show More
31m 13s