About this episode

Jonathan Van Ness and Meredith Broussard discuss the implications of AI on human decision-making and relationships.

What happens when we start asking AI to help us make decisions about our lives, relationships, and mental health? JVN sits down with NYU Professor, author, and AI researcher Meredith Broussard to unpack what AI actually is, what it can and can’t do, and how we can make smarter choices about when to use it. Jonathan and Meredith break down the AI bubble, generative and agentic AI, how AI models are built, and why the benchmarks we use to measure them don’t always tell the whole story. They also get into one of the most personal questions of the AI era: What happens when we start asking machines for advice about our lives, our relationships, and our mental health? Meredith explains why human expertise and critical thinking still matter, why AI can be especially risky when we’re vulnerable or looking for emotional support, and how relying on machines for connection can change the way we relate to other people. They also explore the environmental costs of AI infrastructure, the realities behind talk of “superintelligence,” and practical guidelines for deciding when AI is useful, and when it’s better to turn to a human. Because getting better in the age of AI may not mean learning how…

People in this episode

Host: Jonathan Van Ness

Guest: Meredith Broussard

Topics covered

• AI
• mental health
• decision making
• human connection
• technology ethics
• environmental impact

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• humanity
• relationships
• mental health
• decision making
• technology
• critical thinking

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NYU, WALL STREET JOURNAL

More episodes of Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

• What Taking a Break Looks Like, Scarf Spelling Bee, JVN's Favorite Fragrances · August 24, 2026 · 25 min
• How to Work With Yourself, Not Against Yourself with Gretchen Rubin · August 19, 2026 · 54 min
• Lindsay Clancy Case Breakdown, HIV Social Safety Net, Going with the Flow · August 17, 2026 · 39 min
• JVN in Italy, Displaced Anti-Fauci Energy, Curl Hacks · August 10, 2026 · 38 min
• Feeling Isolated? Do This ONE Thing To Rebuild Real Connection w/ Morgan Burch | ICYMI · August 5, 2026 · 48 min
• Handling Minor Inconveniences, an Astrological Spelling Bee, and LOUISIANA v. CALLAIS | ICYMI · August 3, 2026 · 30 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness podcast page.