"We Have Emotional Relationships With Our Technology," Nilay Patel On AI

"We Have Emotional Relationships With Our Technology," Nilay Patel On AI

From The Anxious Achiever by Morra Aarons-Mele

May 21, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 322

About this episode

Nilay Patel discusses the emotional impact of AI on professionals and its implications for work and identity.

Why does AI feel so personal to so many professionals right now? In this episode, I talk with Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge, about the emotional side of artificial intelligence and why so much of the fear around AI may actually be about work itself. We dive into how layoffs, shrinking trust in employers, “good enough” automation, and constant technological change are reshaping the way ambitious people think about stability, creativity, and their future careers. Nilay shares why humans naturally form emotional relationships with technology, why AI companions and chatbots can feel strangely comforting, and why today’s AI hype may be running ahead of reality. Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping work, identity, and ambition. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00…

People in this episode

Host: Morra Aarons-Mele

Guest: Nilay Patel

Topics covered

  • emotional relationships with technology
  • artificial intelligence
  • work and identity
  • job stability
  • automation
  • technological change

Keywords

  • AI
  • emotional relationships
  • technology
  • work
  • creativity
  • job security
  • automation
  • layoffs
  • social media

Sponsors

Shopify, Chime, Quince, Monarch, Physician’s Choice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Verge

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