Valentine’s Day used to be about cuffing season, double texting rules, and who’s paying for dinner. But the love landscape has shifted and it’s not just humans in the mix anymore.

People are forming emotional and romantic relationships with AI chatbots. So what’s actually happening here?

This week in the lab, Titi and Zakiya talk with Arelí Rocha about her work studying intimate relationships between humans and AI companions. Explore how language makes something feel alive, how online communities shape relationships, and whether AI is replacing human connection or just changing how we understand it.

Valentine&rsquo;s Day used to be about cuffing season, double texting rules, and who&rsquo;s paying for dinner. But the love landscape has shifted and it&rsquo;s not just humans in the mix anymore.
People are forming emotional and romantic relationships with AI chatbots. So what&rsquo;s actually happening here?
This week in the lab, Titi and Zakiya talk with Arel&iacute; Rocha about her work studying intimate relationships between humans and AI companions. Explore how language makes something feel alive, how online communities shape relationships, and whether AI is replacing human connection or just changing how we understand it.

Dope Labs is a podcast hosted by best friends (and two of the dopest scientists you will ever meet), Titi and Zakiya. In each episode, they serve up scientific principles with a healthy dose of tea. From cuffing season to Cardi B, they’ll take what’s trending and put it under the microscope with the help of some very smart (and cool) scientific friends. At Dope Labs, we believe “science is for errybody” and our mission is to bring out the inner scientist in YOU.

Dope Labs is a podcast hosted by best friends (and two of the dopest scientists you will ever meet), Titi and Zakiya. In each episode, they serve up scientific principles with a healthy dose of tea. From cuffing season to Cardi B, they&rsquo;ll take what&rsquo;s trending and put it under the microscope with the help of some very smart (and cool) scientific friends. At Dope Labs, we believe &ldquo;science is for errybody&rdquo; and our mission is to bring out the inner scientist in YOU.

Dope Labs

Dope Labs is a new podcast from Spotify Studios hosted by best friends (and two of the dopest scientists you will ever meet), Titi and Zakiya. In each episode, they serve up scientific principles with a healthy dose of tea. From cuffing season to Cardi B, they’ll take what’s trending and put it under the microscope with the help of some very smart (and cool) scientific friends. At Dope Labs, we believe “science is for errybody” and our mission is to bring out the inner scientist in YOU.

The Language of Love (and AI) - Lab 127

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8fd226ce-1e03-4ca7-ab2e-b3f0013dc027/transcript