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Why Humans?
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?
Why Humans?
Why Human Non-Monogamy?
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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
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