AI Relationships are Emotional Gloryholes

A spirited and philosophical discussion on the evolving nature of human relationships in the age of artificial intelligence. We dive into the controversial concept of an "AI sidepiece" or "AI girlfriend," exploring whether AI can genuinely fulfill needs for emotional validation, and if so, at what cost to human social skills. The conversation touches on the ease of defaulting to AI interaction, the challenge of real-world vulnerability, and even takes a very human detour into the strange reality of vaping in public and the difficulties of casual conversation. We ask: Are we entering a new, strange emotional economy where authentic connection is less practiced and more feared?