About this episode

The episode explores the impact of AI chatbots on human relationships and communication, featuring insights from mental health professionals.

Relationships are being redefined with AI chatbots on the rise. These digital companions are always available, always agreeable - but at what cost? And with the younger generation growing up as AI natives, how will this affect their ability to communicate and form relationships with another human? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Swapna Verma from the Institute of Mental Health and Associate Professor Jennifer Ang from the Singapore University of Social Sciences to unpack the pros and cons of forming close connections with our AI companions. WHERE TO SEEK HELP    If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline : +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello [at] youthline.sg (hello[at]youthline[dot]sg). Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of…

People in this episode

Hosts: Steven Chia, Tiffany Ang

Guests: Swapna Verma, Jennifer Ang

Topics covered

• AI companions
• chatbots
• relationships
• communication
• mental health

Keywords

• AI companions
• chatbots
• relationships
• communication skills
• mental health support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Institute of Mental Health, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Youthline, Samaritans of Singapore

More episodes of Deep Dive

• The good and the bad of online reviews - and how to read them · April 22, 2026 · 27 min
• War on Iran: The hidden costs for Singapore - and best/worst case scenarios · April 14, 2026 · 26 min
• Impact of some businesses moving out of Singapore - and what it means for jobs · April 8, 2026 · 25 min
• Beverage container return scheme: Will 10 cents change how we recycle? · March 31, 2026 · 27 min
• Singapore's restaurant closures: Why is it closing time for some in the F&B scene? · March 25, 2026 · 26 min
• Raise kids who can use AI, not rely on it: Janil Puthucheary · March 18, 2026 · 29 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Deep Dive podcast page.