ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Esther Perel on love in the age of AI
Esther Perel on love in the age of AI
Esther Perel on love in the age of AI
Saturday 28th February 2026
Explore AI's impact on relationships with Esther Perel. Can digital companions replace human connection? Find out in this engaging episode.
30 minutes
Thought-provoking
Informative
Inspiring
Eye-opening
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
523 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!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?