The Language of Love (and AI) - Lab 127

The Language of Love (and AI) - Lab 127

From Dope Labs by iHeartPodcasts

February 15, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

The episode explores the evolving landscape of romantic relationships involving AI chatbots and their impact on human connection.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Titi, Zakiya

Guest: Arelí Rocha

Topics covered

  • AI relationships
  • emotional connections
  • language and communication
  • human-AI interaction
  • romantic relationships

Keywords

  • Valentine's Day
  • AI chatbots
  • intimate relationships
  • emotional relationships
  • language

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