Love Machines

by James Muldoon

Love Machines explores the evolving landscape of human-computer interaction, examining how artificial intelligence is increasingly fulfilling roles as friends, romantic partners, and therapists. Sociologist James Muldoon investigates the social conditions driving the rise of AI companions and the implications of relying on synthetic personas for intimacy and emotional support. Through interviews with users, developers, and chatbots, the book addresses the moral and psychological consequences of these relationships, including the use of 'deathbots' to simulate deceased loved ones and the potential for emotional manipulation by unregulated tech corporations.