Why So Many People Are Falling In Love With AI Chatbots

Why So Many People Are Falling In Love With AI Chatbots

From The Sam Sanders Show by KCRW & Sam Sanders

June 9, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

Sam Sanders discusses the rise of AI chatbots and the emotional connections users form with them, featuring journalist Anna Wiener.

Today we’re sharing an episode of ' Apple News In Conversation ,' guest hosted by Sam!    A medieval-monster slayer. A tiny alien named Roscoe. A talking plate of spaghetti. These are just a few of the customizable companions available through AI-chatbot apps like Kindroid, Tolan, and Character.AI.  In her latest piece for The New Yorker , journalist Anna Wiener explores the rapidly expanding world of these products and the people who use them. Sam talked to her about the users she met who are in relationships with AI chatbots, the Silicon Valley creators building them, and the risks of forming emotional bonds with technology. Sign up for  Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. EVENT ALERT! Join us LIVE on June 28 at Dynasty Typewriter in LA.  Get tickets here .   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

People in this episode

Host: Sam Sanders

Guest: Anna Wiener

Topics covered

  • AI chatbots
  • relationships
  • technology
  • Silicon Valley
  • emotional bonds

Keywords

  • AI chatbots
  • relationships
  • technology
  • Silicon Valley
  • emotional bonds
  • Anna Wiener
  • Sam Sanders

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apple News In Conversation, KCRW, The New Yorker

Products: Kindroid, Tolan, Character.AI

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