Esther Perel on love in the age of AIEsther Perel on love in the age of AI
All In The Mind
Psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel has had a lot of 'firsts' over her four decade-long career — counselling her first polyamorous relationship, or her first gay couple navigating surrogacy. Now, she's just done her first session with a man and his AI 'girlfriend'… Did she struggle to take this ‘couple’ seriously? What kind of love can someone really form with a chatbot? And why would someone bring their AI partner to a relationship therapy session in the first place? This week, renowned psychotherapist, author, and speaker Esther Perel reflects on what’s changed in the decades she's worked as a relationship therapist; whether AI can be a helpful tool for therapy; and why we might be better off conceptualising AI companions as ‘transitional objects’ instead. Plus, join us in a few week's time for a very special mailbag episode with Esther, featuring your questions! Guest: Esther Perel Psychotherapist and couples therapist Author, The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity Host, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineers: Harvey O'Sullivan and Emrys Cronin You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.
30:23•28 Feb 2026
Love in the Digital Age: Esther Perel's Take on AI Relationships
Episode Overview
- AI can serve as a transitional object, similar to a child's toy.
- Human relationships offer unpredictability and ethical depth that AI lacks.
- AI's role in companionship raises ethical questions.
- Technology reshapes emotional landscapes and relationship dynamics.
- AI can be a useful tool in therapy but not a replacement for human interaction.
“"Love is an encounter with an other, with uncertainty, with friction, with serendipity."”
What drives someone to seek love in the digital age, and can artificial intelligence truly fill the void of human connection? In this thought-provoking episode of 'All In The Mind,' psychotherapist Esther Perel dives into the intriguing intersection of AI and relationships.
With decades of experience in counselling, Esther shares her first-hand experience of conducting a therapy session with a man and his AI 'girlfriend.' She questions the nature of love and companionship in a world where digital entities are becoming more prevalent. Esther explores the idea of AI as a 'transitional object,' similar to a child's teddy bear, potentially helping individuals transition to real human connections.
Yet, she warns of the risks when AI becomes a primary love object, highlighting how it lacks the unpredictability and ethical depth of human relationships. The episode raises crucial questions about the future of relationships and whether AI can truly replace the nuanced, complex interactions between humans. Esther provides valuable insights into how technology is reshaping our emotional landscapes, urging listeners to consider the broader implications of relying on AI for companionship and therapy.
If you're curious about the evolving dynamics of love in the age of technology, this episode is a must-listen. It challenges us to reflect on what we seek in relationships and how AI might fit into that picture. Are we ready for a future where love is just a click away?
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