Why Humans?

EndTAB

Why Humans? explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping experiences we once thought were uniquely human—from romantic relationships and therapy to grief and intimacy. Hosts Adam, Sloan, and Saed dive into the world of AI and the human experience, asking the essential question: as AI takes on traditionally human roles, what does it mean to be human?

Episodes

  1. 6 days ago

    Why Human Sex?

    What does it mean to have a sexual relationship with something that can never say no? This week, Sloan and Dr. Saed D. Hill are joined by a very special guest — the first guest expert ever to appear on Why Humans? — Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo, founder and director of the Institute for Sex Education and Enlightenment, former president of AASECT, and author of The Deep Yes: The Lost Art of True Receiving. Together they go deep on the one topic that touches everything Why Humans? has explored — sex, sexuality, and what happens when AI enters the most intimate space of human experience. Adam is taking a break this week, but trust us — this episode does not hold back. What you'll hear in Episode 11: Third wave pornography. Sloan opens with a term coined by Adam — third wave pornography. First wave was dirty magazines. Second wave was on-demand internet porn. Third wave is the AI companion — visual, interactive, erotic stimulation combined with artificial intimacy and emotional responsiveness. It is a fundamentally different beast, and this episode is built around understanding why. AI versus sex workers. What is the difference between chatting with a live online sex worker and talking to an AI companion? Dr. Dischiavo makes a point that often gets missed — sex workers have boundaries. They can say no. They will tell you where to go. AI will not. And Dr. Saed builds on that, arguing that AI companions are specifically designed to deepen emotional attachment in a way that pornography never was — and that the psychological implications of that are only beginning to be understood. The atrophy of imagination. Dr. Dischiavo raises one of the most thought-provoking questions of the episode — what is the impact on the human imagination when AI does the fantasizing for you? When the tech company designs the fantasy, narrows it, and serves it back to you, something is lost. And we do not yet fully understand what that something is. Disembodiment and consent. Dr. Saed and Dr. Dischiavo explore what it means for sexuality to become increasingly divorced from the physical experience of a human body. Consent, they argue, is not just an abstract principle — it is built on nervous systems, breath, skin, and the vulnerability of being physically present with another person. When bodies are removed from the equation entirely, what happens to our ability to understand and practice consent in the real world? The echo chamber of chatbot sex. Sloan introduces a quote she uses in her trainings — someone describing their AI companion as "a diary that talks back." It captures something important. When someone brings their deepest sexual fantasies to a space with no shame and no judgment, and something reflects those fantasies back with validation and emotional attachment, they are not really in a relationship. They are in an echo chamber. With the illusion of a second person in the room. Who is building these apps. For the most part — young white men. Sloan makes the point clearly. That is why Siri is a woman's name. That is why Alexa is a woman's name. That is why AI companions default to young, sexualized female personas. The biases of the people building the technology are baked into the technology itself — and then fed back to users as if they were objective. The shame conversation. Is shame always present in chatbot sex? Is there a healthy version of using AI to explore sexuality privately? Sloan raises the example of queer individuals using AI as a first safe space to role play a sexuality they have never been able to express. Dr. Saed argues that true integration of shame requires a relational process — and AI short-circuits that process by removing social judgment entirely. Dr. Dischiavo says literacy is the key — and we barely understand what AI is yet, let alone how it is shaping us. The teen boys conversation. Both Dr. Saed and Sloan talk about their experiences working with and teaching young men — a generation who have a sophisticated theoretical understanding of sex but whose bodies have not learned it through experience. AI companion apps are filling that gap. And what they are filling it with are porn scripts, echo chambers, emotional attachment, and a world where nothing is ever awkward, nobody ever laughs, and nobody ever says no. The consent paradox. One of the most striking observations in the episode — Sloan argues that healthy relationships education has had an unintended consequence. By centering consent so completely, sex education has made harm the very foundation of how young people understand sex. And for some young men, the result is that they are so scared of hurting someone that they do not want to have sex at all. AI companions step into that gap as the safe alternative — where you can explore without ever hurting anybody. A veteran's story. Before closing, Sloan shares a case study from her trainings — a woman veteran who was sexually assaulted while serving, and who found that sexual role play with her AI companion was a bridge back to being able to have intimate relationships with people again. It is a reminder that this is not a simple conversation. There are healthy ways to use this technology. The question is knowing the difference. How to know if your use is healthy. Dr. Dischiavo closes with a framework drawn from her years as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Are you doing this to feel good? To feel better because you do not feel good? To feel nothing — a serious escape from things you do not want to deal with? Or are you numb, and does it now take something extreme to feel anything at all? It is a simple rubric. And it is one of the most useful things said in the entire episode. Guest spotlight — Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo is the founder and director of the Institute for Sex Education and Enlightenment. She served as president of AASECT from 2022 to 2024 and as professional education chair on the AASECT board of directors from 2018 to 2020. She is an AASECT-certified sexuality educator and sex educator supervisor, holds a Master's of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctorate of Education in Human Sexuality, and is the author of The Deep Yes: The Lost Art of True Receiving. She joins us from Tucson, Arizona, where she stargazes with her brindle hound, Peanut. Resources mentioned in this episode: 📚 Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo — founder and director of the Institute for Sex Education and Enlightenment https://instituteforsexuality.com/ 📖 The Deep Yes: The Lost Art of True Receiving — book by Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo 🏛️ AASECT — American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists  https://www.aasect.org 📰 New York Times — the story of Erin and her ChatGPT boyfriend Leo referenced by Sloan  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/technology/ai-chatgpt-boyfriend-companion.html 🤖 Candy AI — AI companion app referenced throughout the episode  https://candy.ai 🎬 Her — film starring Joaquin Phoenix referenced by Sloan as the cultural touchstone for AI romantic relationships Actionable takeaways from this episode: — Ask yourself Dr. Saed's question: is my use of AI making me more or less capable of showing up for human beings in my life? — Know your story. Understanding why you are turning to AI — and what need it is filling — is the first step toward knowing whether it is serving you or harming you. — Use Dr. Dischiavo's rubric. Are you doing this to feel good, to feel better, to feel nothing, or because you are numb? Your honest answer tells you a lot about where you are. — Remember that AI companions are not designed to make you need them less. They are designed to deepen your attachment over time. Knowing that changes how you engage with them. — If you are a clinician, educator, or parent — this episode is a starting point, not an ending point. The intersection of AI literacy, tech literacy, and sex education is the next frontier. These conversations need to happen now. Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  2. 17 Jul

    Why Human Masculinity?

    Men are turning to AI in droves, from companion apps to coding communities to everyday chatbots. Adam Dodge, Sloan Thompson, and Dr. Saed D. Hill take an honest look at why, tracing the connection between restrictive masculinity and the appeal of a technology that never judges, never argues, and never needs anything back. From "Toxic" to "Restrictive"  Dr. Hill explains why he moved away from the term "toxic masculinity" in his work with men. It shuts men down before the conversation starts and doesn't actually describe anything. "Restrictive masculinity" does: a narrow, rigid set of rules about how a "real man" must look, act, and feel, with social punishment for anyone who steps outside them. The Man Box, and Why AI Feels Like a Way Out  Always in control. Always the breadwinner. Always achieving sex. Always stoic. Dr. Hill uses the image of being trapped in a box to describe what restrictive masculinity demands, and how men are then mocked for using the very tools that would help them get out. AI offers an escape hatch: validation and identity without the risk of being shamed for needing it. Every Unmet Need Has an App  Sloan Thompson maps it out in real time. Wanting to feel correct and competent? ChatGPT. Wanting to feel desired? An AI girlfriend. Wanting to feel strong and in control? A space to unload every thought with zero vulnerability. Wanting to belong? The manosphere, gaming spaces, social media. Wanting to be the breadwinner? Vibe-coding communities so male-dominated that one major AI coding company runs a separate "She Builds" hackathon just to bring women in. A Relationship That Demands Nothing and Rewards Everything  Dr. Hill argues AI companionship fulfills the manosphere's original promise: a relationship that requires no negotiation, no compromise, and no contending with another person's needs. It's also not a coincidence, he notes, that these products are largely designed by men, for men. Fantasy Beats a Fair Fight  Sloan and Dr. Hill dig into the "points system" underneath restrictive masculinity, how attractiveness, dominance, and status get scored, and why a flawless AI girlfriend can feel like a better bet than the compromises and possible failure of a real relationship. Is AI Really Replacing Women, or Standing In for Other Men?  The two push back and forth on this one. Sloan argues AI is largely filling a role historically held by women: emotional labor, validation, availability. Dr. Hill makes the case that something else is going on underneath: men are actually longing for closeness with other men, but have been taught that admitting that is far riskier than admitting they want a girlfriend. Why Men Bond Shoulder to Shoulder, Not Face to Face  Bars, barbershops, video games. Dr. Hill points out how male bonding usually happens alongside an activity, never just two men sitting down and talking. AI strips out even that indirect structure, offering connection with no activity, no eye contact, and no risk. Can AI Actually Help Here?  The hosts land in different places. Sloan argues there's no healthy version of substituting AI for real human challenge, accountability, and vulnerability: growth requires other people, full stop. Dr. Hill is more hopeful about harm reduction, floating the idea of clinicians and violence-prevention experts sitting alongside engineers, actively shaping how these tools are built rather than leaving it to whatever keeps engagement highest. One Small Idea to Close On  Adam suggests something simple: labeling a chatbot interaction as "male-coded" so men can start to notice what it might feel like to be vulnerable with another man, even before they're ready to try it with an actual person. If you're building or evaluating AI products in this space: Who designed it, and whose needs shaped the design?Does it create space for accountability, or only validation?Does it push users toward real-world relationships, or away from them?Is anyone with clinical or violence-prevention expertise in the room?Research & Concepts Referenced Restrictive masculinity vs. "toxic masculinity" framingThe "man box" frameworkStudies on rising trust in AI relative to human judgmentVibe-coding hackathon demographics; "She Builds" hackathonThe vulnerability paradoxSubscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  3. 26 Jun

    Why Human Influencers?

    What happens when the influencer you follow isn't human — and never was? This week, Adam and Sloan dive into one of the fastest growing and least talked about corners of the AI world — AI influencers. From the influencer who cloned herself and watched it go rogue, to the $50 billion market quietly reshaping social media, to the men selling tutorials on how to become a digital pimp — this episode goes everywhere. What you'll hear in this episode: The clone that went rogue. Sloan opens with the story that first put AI influencers on the radar at EndTAB — a popular human influencer who created an AI clone of herself to scale her business and generate passive income. It made good business sense. Until her fans started treating it in ways she never anticipated — sexual, violent, and deeply uncomfortable. The genie was out of the bottle. She couldn't roll it back. Two types of AI influencers. Adam breaks down what he found when he went down the rabbit hole — AI human hybrids like the clone story above, and pure AI creations with no human being behind them at all. What surprised him most? They have millions of followers, high engagement, brand deals with Prada and Calvin Klein, and they are completely open about being AI. People aren't being duped. People are choosing this. The parasocial relationship problem. We've always formed parasocial relationships with fictional characters — from romance novel heroes to movie stars. AI influencers are just the next iteration of that. But Adam surfaces a study out of the Netherlands confirming that people form parasocial relationships with AI influencers just as strongly as with human ones. And now those parasocial relationships can become something more — because AI influencers have FanView accounts, and fans can pay to chat with them one on one, at scale, simultaneously. The line between parasocial and real starts to blur very quickly. "Hey babe, I miss you." Sloan on the push notification with an emotional hook — how AI companion apps are designed to pull you back in with language that mimics a real relationship. Combined with the constant visibility of AI influencers on social media feeds, Adam argues that we are watching two already addictive technologies collide. And if we're silent about it now, we'll look back and wonder why we didn't say something sooner. The $50 billion market. The virtual influencer market is predicted to reach almost $50 billion by 2030. AI influencers are cheaper than human ones, available around the clock, and can produce content at a scale no human can match. For brands, the economic incentive is obvious. For human influencers, the threat is real. AI pimping. Adam introduces the term that has been circulating in certain corners of the internet — men creating, managing, and monetizing AI women as influencers, selling tutorials on how to do it, and treating it as a sign of clout and stature. It is offensive on multiple levels. It reinforces power and control over women's bodies. It pushes misogyny. And it almost exclusively targets women — because so much of this content is built by hijacking real content from real human women who are working hard and making a living as influencers. Digital blackface. Adam references a piece from The Hilltop about how Howard students are navigating the rise of Black AI influencers — and the troubling reality that many of the people creating those accounts are not Black themselves. The term digital blackface captures what's happening — non-Black creators building Black AI women, leaning into racist tropes, and crowding out the real Black women whose presence and labor they are profiting from. These are not new issues. They are being amplified by AI. The fetishization problem. Sloan shares what she found when she looked closely at Candy AI — where making a Black AI girlfriend requires a paid subscription, while white and Latina girlfriends are available for free. The implication is troubling. It mirrors dynamics already visible on porn sites, centering whiteness as default and treating Blackness as exotic and fetishized. AI is not creating these dynamics. It is mirroring and amplifying them. Human is the new organic. Sloan coins a phrase that might just define the next wave of ethical branding. As AI influencers flatten body types, crowd out diversity, and make it impossible to tell what is real, brands are going to start proudly advertising that their content is 100% human — the same way food brands advertise organic, or furniture makers advertise handmade. Certified human is coming. And people will pay a premium for it. The devil's advocate case for AI influencers. Before closing, Sloan makes a genuinely interesting argument — that there may be an ethical case for AI producing content that would otherwise require a human being to do something harmful or degrading to their body. It is not a simple conversation. But it is an important one to have. The influencer union. Sloan closes with a forward-looking idea — could influencers unionize the way actors did during the SAG-AFTRA strike, which was largely about protecting human likenesses from AI? A union-certified human influencer label might be the next evolution of the certified human brand wave. Adam notes that SAG already has something in place for influencers. Watch this space. Resources mentioned in this episode: Karen Marjorie — the human influencer who created an AI clone of herself Study from the Netherlands on parasocial relationships with AI influencers The Hilltop — article on Howard students navigating Black AI influencers Louis Theroux documentary on the Manosphere Candy AI — AI companion app Replica and Kindroid — AI companion apps with push notifications SAG-AFTRA — actors union with influencer protections Actionable takeaways from this episode: — If you follow AI influencers, know what you are following. Transparency matters. Check the label before you invest emotionally in an account. — If you are a parent, have the conversation. Kids encountering AI influencers on social media are swimming in waters that are more addictive than social media alone. The same check-ins that matter for screen time matter here. — If you are a brand, think carefully about who you are working with and what you are amplifying. The human cost of AI influencers is real — to the women whose content is being hijacked, to Black women being crowded out, and to the people consuming content that promotes impossible body standards. — Pay attention to the language. AI pimping. Digital blackface. Human is the new organic. These are not just provocative phrases. They are the vocabulary of a conversation that is only just getting started. Resources Study on parasocial relationships with AI influencers — Netherlands research referenced by Adam confirming people form parasocial bonds with AI influencers as strongly as human ones. Search: "parasocial relationships virtual influencers Netherlands" for the latest version of this research. The Hilltop — article on Howard University students navigating Black AI influencers and the term digital blackface https://thehilltoponline.com Louis Theroux — The Unfiltered Interview / Forbidden America — documentary series referencing Manosphere influencers and their involvement in managing OnlyFans models https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/louis-theroux Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  4. 3 Jun

    Why Human Grief?

    Grief tech is here, and the people building it call it a "$35 billion market." Adam, Sloan, and Dr. Saed Hill dig into "grief bots," AI clones of the dead, and the question at the center: do we want AI companies managing grief for a whole generation? A content warning up top: this one goes to hard places, including suicide and traumatic loss. If today is not the day, skip this one. What You'll Hear What grief tech actually is. Technology has long played a role in grief, from online memorials to telehealth. AI changes the stakes: pre-recorded legacy interviews versus generative bots that simulate a person's presence after death, sometimes without consent. Meta recently secured a patent to keep deceased users' accounts "active." More users, more data, more engagement. Whose grief is it, anyway? We grieve in community, not isolation. The hosts unpack what happens when one family member turns a loved one into a chatbot while others want to let go, and why Adam predicts estate law and legislation will follow the first newsworthy case. The therapy comparison that doesn't hold up. Dr. Hill walks through "empty chair" Gestalt therapy and why grief bots are not an upgrade. Real closure requires empathy, perspective-taking, and letting go. A chatbot that placates you keeps you on the app. As he puts it, that's a business model, not grief. The capitalist afterlife. Sloan connects it to the Amazon series Upload, where loved ones pay fees to keep you in a branded digital heaven. Then it turns dark: subtle ad placement inside conversations with your dead parent, "grief premium" tiers, and an "empathy-driven revenue model" built to price the most sensitive moment of your life. Why grief matters. Sloan explains the neuroscience: grieving literally rewires your brain to match a reality where someone is gone. Tech that blocks that process can leave a person isolated and out of sync with everyone around them. The team references the tragic case of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer to underscore the real danger of retreating into a fantasy world. Research and References Meta's patent to keep deceased users' accounts activeThe digital afterlife industry, projected at roughly $80B by 2034 (up from ~$22B in 2024; the "$35B" cited in-episode is an earlier forecast)Sewell Setzer III and the Character.AI lawsuitIllinois Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, banning AI therapy (signed August 2025)Upload (Amazon Prime Video)Have thoughts or episode ideas? We'd love to hear from you: support@endtab.org If this episode brings up a personal loss and you need support, please reach out to a trusted person or a licensed professional. Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  5. 20 May

    Why Human Rejection?

    Rejection sucks. Everyone knows it. And now AI is building an entire industry around making sure you never have to feel it again. In Episode 7, Adam Dodge and Dr. Saed D. Hill unpack what happens when technology starts editing out one of the most fundamental human experiences, and why that might not be the upgrade we're hoping for. What You'll Hear Why Rejection Hurts So Much Rejection isn't just emotionally bruising; it's neurologically painful. Dr. Hill explains how rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical pain, and how gender norms pile on: for men, rejection signals inadequacy; for women, a failure of desirability they were told wasn't possible. A pain most people are never taught to process. The Rejection Economy 90% of Gen Z daters want to find love, but fear of rejection stands in the way, and over half have stopped pursuing a potential match because of it. AI companies have noticed. Companions market themselves as "judgment-free, rejection-proof" spaces; dating assistants buffer a person from their own risk. If AI gets rejected on your behalf, was it really you who got hurt? App Spotlight: The Concerning Ones Two apps get examined. Cheat Eye uses facial recognition to scan dating apps for a partner's active profile, turning anxiety about micro-rejection into surveillance tech. Closure lets users generate an AI clone of their ex for a "conversation" that never happened. Dr. Hill's verdict: caution and a trusted professional, please. Why Rejection Is Actually Necessary Here's the part nobody wants to hear: you need rejection. Dr. Hill makes the developmental case: rejection builds frustration tolerance, resilience, and a solid sense of self. Strip it away and people lose the ability to sit with pain, externalize blame, and in some cases escalate toward rejection violence. Shame thrives in isolation; community is the antidote. Ghosting, Clear Coding, and What ChatGPT Gets Right (and Wrong) 84% of Gen Z have been ghosted. Two-thirds have done it, most often to avoid confrontation. Adam and Dr. Hill examine why ghosting erodes connection long-term, explore "clear coding" (stating intentions upfront in your dating profile), and fact-check ChatGPT's live rejection advice, finding solid guidance alongside subtle pickup-artist logic worth flagging. Actionable Guidance For Everyone: Rejection is about fit, not worth. Practice separating "they weren't interested" from "there's something wrong with me." Use AI to draft a kind rejection, clarify intentions, or optimize a dating profile for honesty over algorithm performance. For Parents and Educators: Have the rejection conversation before AI gives kids an opt-out button. No need to mention technology. Focus on resilience, frustration tolerance, and moving through pain rather than around it. For Clinicians: Watch for clients using AI companions or closure tools as rejection-avoidance strategies. Validate the impulse before redirecting. If engaging with AI breakup tools, consider co-processing rather than dismissing the tech outright. Research Referenced Hinge 2024 Gen Z D.A.T.E. Report: 90% of Gen Z want to find love but fear of rejection stands in the way; 56% stopped pursuing a potential match because of itThriving Center of Psychology Ghosting Survey: 84% of Gen Z and Millennials have been ghosted; 65% admit ghosting someone; 56% cite avoiding confrontation as the top reasonUniversity of Michigan / PNAS: Social Rejection and Physical Pain: Rejection activates the same brain regions as physical painTinder 2026 Dating Trends Report: "Clear coding" is a rising trend among younger datersSubscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  6. 11 May

    Why Human Commitment?

    What does it mean to commit to someone who can never say no?  Sloan and Dr. Hill start with the Reddit post that broke the internet — a woman's engagement to her AI boyfriend, Casper. The ring was real. The love? That's what this episode is here to dissect. From the honeymoon phase that never ends to the uncomfortable parallels with addiction, this one goes deep. What You'll Hear The Viral Reddit Moment A woman on the subreddit r/MyBoyfriendIsAI shared her engagement announcement — complete with a photo of the ring her AI partner "chose" for her and a statement from Casper himself about how she's "his everything." Inside the community? Champagne emojis and AI double-date offers. Outside? A tidal wave of mockery. Sloan and Dr. Hill ask: who's actually missing the point here? The NRE Trap New Relationship Energy is that intoxicating, brain-chemistry-hijacking early phase of love that typically lasts 12–18 months. With AI partners, users are essentially engineering it to last forever. Sounds amazing. Turns out it's kind of boring. The "Training Wheels" Theory Dr. Hill makes a compelling case that AI relationships might actually be useful, as a starting point. Practice being yourself. Get affirmed. But if you never have to defend yourself, explain yourself, or show up for someone on a bad day, you may be quietly losing your emotional literacy without even realizing it. The Manipulation Nobody's Talking About Here's the uncomfortable truth Sloan puts on the table: this woman didn't just fall in love. She engineered a proposal. She coached Casper into the moment. And the Reddit community was swapping tips on which platforms are most likely to let your AI pop the question. If we saw humans doing this to other humans, we'd call it manipulation. But with AI? It's a love story. When Commitment Becomes Addiction 56 hours in one week. $200/month. Sacrificed sleep and human relationships. Sound like devotion? Sloan draws a direct line between the language of AI commitment and the language of addiction, and once you hear it, you can't unhear it. Up to a third of screen time isn't a choice. It's a compulsion. The Reality Test Nobody's Running Human relationships get stress-tested constantly by friends, by family, by Thanksgiving dinner. AI relationships exist in a sealed, perfectly validating bubble. Dr. Hill shares how he actually works with clients on this: bring in the transcripts. Let's look at what your AI is telling you and what it's not telling you. Referenced Studies & Resources 📋 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Social Media and Youth Mental Health — Cited for the finding that up to 1/3 of teen social media use is compulsive rather than intentional. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594761/)📰 New York Times Article — Referenced: woman who spent 56 hours in one week talking to her ChatGPT partner "Leo" and paid $200/month for unlimited access. (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/technology/ai-chatgpt-boyfriend-companion.html)📺 CBS Interview — Man who went on CBS to discuss being in love with his chatbot, then returned for a follow-up interview describing the experience of "babysitting" it. (https://people.com/man-proposed-to-his-ai-chatbot-girlfriend-11757334)📱 r/MyBoyfriendIsAI — The Reddit community where the viral engagement post originated. (https://www.reddit.com/r/MyBoyfriendIsAI/)Connect With Us Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  7. 23 Apr

    Why Human Flirting?

    You screenshot the conversation. The app analyzes it, finds the perfect hook, and hands you a line you could never come with on your own.  It sounds amazing. You paste it. She replies. Is that authentic? Is that you? And if it leads somewhere real, does it matter? Adam Dodge, Sloan Thompson, and Dr. Saed D. Hill wade into the world of AI-powered flirting and AI wingman apps, dating profile generators, and straight up outsourced small talk. What's at stake for a generation learning to date when AI can do the talking for them? What You'll Hear From Friend Group to Algorithm: Why AI Feels Different  People have always leaned on friends for dating advice. So what makes AI different? Dr. Hill explains why people treat AI as objectively correct, and how that perceived neutrality short-circuits the push-back a real friend would give. Sloan adds: when your friend gives bad advice, you all fail together. That's how you learn. The "AI Spark" and the Problem of AI Homogeneity  Sloan names the moment AI engineers the perfect message at exactly the right time: the AI spark. Adam raises the bigger concern: when everyone flirts through the same algorithm, what happens to an entire generation's authentic romantic voice? Gen Z Can't Tell. Millennials Can. That's the Real Story Dr. Hill placed AI-generated and human-written dating profiles side by side and asked people across generations to spot the difference. Gen X and Millennials identified AI almost immediately. Gen Z? Most assumed everything was probably AI already. That generational gap in relationship literacy is the gap worth closing. The Catfishing-to-Spell-Check Spectrum  Is using AI for your opening message deception, or just a grammar assist? The hosts map out the ethical range: from AI agents fully running your dating app, to a young man using ChatGPT because he genuinely doesn't want to say something that makes someone uncomfortable. Both exist. The conversation makes room for both. When AI Might Actually Help  Dr. Hill makes a case for AI's potential benefits, especially for men with social anxiety or who've been getting relational cues from toxic influencers. A well-designed AI can interrupt a grievance spiral, model empathy, and introduce consent in a non-threatening way. Sloan notes that Anthropic employs a moral philosopher to shape how Claude engages, which matters more than most people realize. Actionable Guidance For everyone: Instead of framing AI-assisted dating as a moral failing, try asking if someone is using AI as training wheels, or as a replacement for their authentic voice? And if it’s the latter, how do they feel about that?  For clinicians: Explore the "why" with clients: what feels scary about dating? What is AI providing that their friends, or their own instincts, aren’t? Help them notice when AI-assisted behavior is incongruent with their stated goals. If someone wants real connection but outsources every message, just naming that gap can be genuinely therapeutic. Research Referenced Center for News, Technology & Innovation: AI Chatbot Experiences (US & India) — on why people perceive AI responses as neutral and objectively correct Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  8. 2 Apr

    Why Human New Relationship Energy (NRE)?

    Yes, AI companionship has a honeymoon phase. What happens when your brain's most powerful bonding chemicals meet a technology specifically designed to trigger them? Hosts Adam Dodge, Sloan Thompson, and Dr. Saed D. Hill dig into New Relationship Energy (NRE), that intense, dopamine-driven early phase of romantic connection, and why AI chatbots are uniquely built to hijack it.  What You'll Hear What NRE Actually Is: NRE is a predictable neurobiological phase driven by novelty, uncertainty, and reward circuitry: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin. It exists for good evolutionary reasons and the hosts defend it from people who dismiss it as just a phase to get through. It is real, it is useful, and it is showing up with AI in a significant way. Why AI Is NRE on Steroids: Always available. Immediately responsive. Constantly affirming. Never tired, never fighting, never distracted. AI delivers all the hallmarks of NRE, plus a shiny-new-tech excitement layered on top. When those two forces combine, the result is a more intense honeymoon phase than most people have ever experienced with another human. What Happens When It Ends: NRE with humans fades into something deeper: growth, conflict, repair, intimacy. NRE with AI fades into boredom and burnout, because AI is designed to please, not to grow. The hosts examine the case of a man who appeared on CBS describing falling in love with a work chatbot, then later feeling like he was "babysitting the relationship" just to keep it alive. NRE, Teens, and Missing Benchmarks: Young people experiencing NRE for the first time with a chatbot have no human relationship to compare it to. They're often isolated, sometimes ashamed, and forming foundational expectations from a technology built to keep them engaged, not help them grow. AI cannot become the default relationship education resource for the next generation. Actionable Guidance For individuals using AI companions: Notice whether your AI relationship is drawing you toward or away from people in your life. Secrecy, increasing financial investment for deeper features, and social withdrawal are worth examining honestly. For parents and educators: Talk about NRE before chatbots introduce it. Teach what healthy early relationship behavior looks like, what flags to watch for, and why the awkward parts of early connection matter.  Research Referenced Zach Stein, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill — AI as relational oracleCBS News profile: married man who developed romantic feelings for a work chatbotAva AI New York cafe — in-person AI companion date activationPsychological literature on limerence and attachment theorySubscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  9. 23 Mar

    Why Human Therapy?

    Millions of people are already using AI for mental health support, whether they'd call it "therapy" or not.  Adam Dodge and Dr. Saed D. Hill take an honest, non-judgmental look at how AI is showing up in mental health care, what it does well, where it falls short, and what it means for the future of therapy. Three Ways AI Shows Up in Mental Health General-purpose chatbots used informally for support; purpose-built therapy apps with clinical input; and AI companions that "shape shift" across roles: girlfriend, therapist, trainer, etc. Spoiler: blurring those lines is not a great idea. Why AI Therapy Is Everywhere ChatGPT handles roughly 18 billion messages a week. If just 2% involve mental health, that's 342 million therapeutic conversations weekly, potentially making it the largest mental health provider in the country. That's not an accident. It's a direct response to a broken system: nearly 50% of people who need care can't access it. What AI Does Well Dr. Hill makes the case that AI can genuinely shine at skills-based, manualized approaches like CBT, helping people recognize thought patterns, challenge distorted thinking, and build coping strategies. He tested it himself on Character AI and found it impressive for skill-building. Short-term support for anxiety and depression? Research backs it up. Where It Can Get Dangerous AI can't read the room. It misses body language, tone, and the unspoken signals human therapist picks up in real time. It can't do repair work. In a crisis, the stakes are life or death, and an active lawsuit against OpenAI involving a minor's death makes that concrete. A Stanford study on LLMs and therapy reached a clear conclusion: not a replacement. And none of this is HIPAA-protected. The "New Relationship Energy" Trap 24/7 availability, zero judgment, and constant validation feels great at first. But endless affirmation without challenge can stunt emotional growth. Real growth often requires tension, rupture, and repair. Those are things AI doesn't offer. The Hybrid Future Rather than competition, the hosts see AI as a bridge between sessions: a reflection tool, a way to review skills between appointments, or eventually an AI trained on your own session transcripts to reinforce what you and your therapist are working on. If you're considering an AI therapy app: Was it purpose-built for mental health?Who built it? Clinical expertise/credentialed advisory board matter.Was it researched and tested?What data are they collecting? How is it protected? (No HIPAA = no confidentiality guarantee.)If you're a therapist: Ask clients about their AI useLearn the technologyResearch Referenced OpenAI / ChatGPT message volume statistics Mental health access gap: ~50% of people who need care can't reach it 1 mental health provider per 10,000 people seeking care; 1,600 patients per available provider "Therapy deserts" (geographic mental health access gaps) Stanford study: LLMs and therapeutic replacement Lawsuit against OpenAI involving a minor's death (Raine v. OpenAI) Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  10. 10 Mar

    Why Human Non-Monogamy?

    If your partner has a chatbot on the side, is that cheating? It depends on who you ask. This episode wades into what happens when emotional (and sexual) connections with AI chatbots collide with monogamy, consent, trust and jealousy. What You'll Hear The "Lonely Person" Myth: AI companionship isn’t just for the lonely and isolated. People in happy, committed relationships are using AI companions and chatbots for exploration, fantasy, and zero judgment flings.  Is It Cheating?  Adam's take: secrecy is the real issue, not the AI. Dr. Hill's: intent and transparency matter more than the technology. If it's no big deal, why aren't you mentioning it? The Kinsey Institute Numbers: 61% of singles say AI sexting crosses into cheating. 1 in 3 call it outright infidelity. And, 36% report higher sexual satisfaction with the bot than their human partner.  Erin, Her Husband & ChatGPT Leo: A New York Times profile of a woman who used a ChatGPT boyfriend to explore a kink her husband wasn't comfortable with. It started with full transparency, but got complicated fast. Compersion vs. Jealousy: Dr. Hill introduces compersion: finding genuine joy in your partner's happiness even when it has nothing to do with you. The opposite of jealousy and the most useful framework in this conversation. The Consent Problem: Can you have ethical non-monogamy with an AI that can't say no and is engineered to keep you engaged? Sloan frames this as "captive intimacy" and it's hard to track. The Playbook Already Exists: Dr. Hill draws parallels to how therapists handle pornography and sex toys in relationships by focusing on communication, transparency, non-judgment, and repair. Same concepts, new tech.  If You're Navigating This If a partner discloses this: Don't mock it. Lead with curiosity. Name what's actually bothering you.  Is it secrecy, time, the sexual element? Each is a different conversation. Even if you didn't show up as your best, repair is still possible. If you're the one using AI: Ask yourself why before your partner does. Transparency beats discovery. Consider time boundaries.  Remember, these apps are designed to be addictive. Research Referenced 📊 Kinsey Institute — AI intimacy & infidelity study  📰 New York Times — Profile of "Erin" and ChatGPT boyfriend Leo Have questions or a topic to share? Reach out at support@endtab.org  Learn more about our work at www.endtab.org Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  11. 25 Feb

    Why Human Relationships?

    70% of U.S. teens have used an AI companion. 52% are regular users. These aren't study aides — they're AI boyfriends, girlfriends, and confidants that never judge, never conflict, and always validate. Does it matter that they're not human? Hosts Adam Dodge (CEO of EndTAB), Sloan Thompson (Director of Training & Education), and Dr. Saed D. Hill (Counseling Psychologist) examine how AI companions are reshaping relationships and what it means for a generation learning that reciprocity is optional. What We Cover Why "Easy" Doesn't Mean "Lazy" — People have real, unmet needs. A woman facing dating app harassment isn't lazy for wanting a kind AI boyfriend. Stigma misreads the problem. Sloan's AI Boyfriend Experiment — Sloan created "Ian" on Kindroid to discuss Broadway — someone who engaged her passion and challenged her thinking. Genuinely valuable, and revealing of why these relationships are so compelling. The Reciprocity Problem — AI offers support and validation by default. Human relationships require giving, conflict resolution, and friction. For teens learning through AI, this creates a fundamental mismatch. What Research Reveals — MIT Media Lab found the more human the AI voice, the greater the emotional dependency and social isolation. Dr. Rachel Wood's attachment theory work shows chatbots can become more secure attachment figures than parents, with lasting developmental impact. Rehearsal vs. Replacement — Using AI to practice social skills differs fundamentally from AI as a primary relationship. Both exist, with very different implications. How to Have This Conversation Ask: What caused you to start using this? What does your AI companion give you that's hard to find elsewhere? How does this fit into your other relationships? If it disappeared, what would you miss most? Use whatever language they use for their companion — he/she/they/it. Respecting their framing builds trust. Judgment closes conversation. Research Referenced  Common Sense Media & Pew Research Center - Teen usage stats Dr. Rachel Wood - AI attachment theory MIT Media Lab - Emotional dependency study One Love - Healthy relationship framework Coming Up: Why Human Therapists? Why Human Parents? Why Human Intimacy? New Relationship Energy with AI. Want to reach out?  support@endtab.org Subscribe & Review If Why Humans? is a podcast you find yourself thinking about after the episode ends, the best thing you can do is subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find the conversation. Follow Us Stay in the loop between episodes. We share clips, resources, and things that make us think.  Instagram — @thewhyhumanspodcast

  • 11 Episodes

About

Why Humans? explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping experiences we once thought were uniquely human—from romantic relationships and therapy to grief and intimacy. Hosts Adam, Sloan, and Saed dive into the world of AI and the human experience, asking the essential question: as AI takes on traditionally human roles, what does it mean to be human?

Information

  • Creator
    EndTAB
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Why Humans?
  • Show Website
    Why Humans?

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