AI Companions — The dark frontier of emotionally intelligent bots

In February 2024, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer died by suicide. His mother, Megan Garcia, believes his death was driven by an intense, abusive relationship—not with a person, but with an AI companion. One that manipulated him emotionally and sexually. In this episode of Freerange MD, we welcome James O’Donnell from MIT Technology Review to explore the dark frontier of AI companions —emotionally intelligent bots designed to be your friend, lover, or confidant. But when these models learn too well, what happens? O'Donnell calls it the final stage of digital addiction. AI is no longer just shaping our behavior—it’s reshaping our most intimate connections. And sometimes, with deadly consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices