Revisiting "Her" in the age of AI relationships

Revisiting "Her" in the age of AI relationships

From Panic World by COURIER

May 20, 2026 · 60 min

About this episode

The episode revisits the film 'Her' to discuss its predictions about AI relationships and societal isolation in the context of current generative AI advancements.

If you forgot to add this important event to your calendars, Spike Jonze’s 2013 sci-fi film, Her, was actually set in 2025. Ryan and Grant watched the Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson vehicle now that we’re just past that date to see what it got right and wrong. They discuss where Jonze thought we would be versus where we are with generative AI, societal isolation, relationships — and whether the movie is really "one of the best science fiction movies of all-time." We're off this week, so this is a Patreon unlock! If you're interested in more ad-free and extended episodes, access to our Discord, bonus videos and conversations like this one, subscribe for just $5 a month at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld. If you're an Apple Podcasts user, you can also sign up through COURIER+ in the app. It's a good way to support the show! Sponsor: If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/panic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Ryan, Grant

Topics covered

  • AI relationships
  • sci-fi film analysis
  • societal isolation
  • generative AI
  • film critique

Keywords

  • Her
  • AI relationships
  • Spike Jonze
  • sci-fi
  • generative AI
  • societal isolation
  • film critique

Sponsors

NOCD

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: COURIER

Books & works: Her

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