02 | Brain Rot: Is AI turning us off human relationships?

<p>Whether it’s social media, the omnipresent smartphone or AI companions, in recent decades the way we relate to each other has been completely up-ended. </p><p>In episode two of Brain Rot, we explore the potential implications that tech poses to human relationships. </p><p>Worldwide estimates suggest there are around one billion users of AI companion — people using software or applications designed to simulate human-like interactions through text and voice. </p><p>So if the uptake of these AI companions is as rapid as is being reported, what are the ramifications? And could AI companions be both a cause and cure for loneliness? </p><p>Brain Rot is a new five part series from the ABC’s Science Friction about how tech is changing our brains, hosted by Ange Lavoipierre. </p><p>Guests:</p><p>Kelly</p><p>In a relationship with an AI companion, Christian</p><p>Bethanie Drake-Maples</p><p>Doctoral Candidate, Research Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence</p><...