It's Been a Minute

The surprising case for AI boyfriends

The AI revolution has come for our love lives. Millions around the world are now in relationships with chatbots who can text, sext and – for a fee – talk to you on the phone and have 'in-person' interactions via augmented reality. Host <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/1123917129/brittany-luse">Brittany Luse</a> tries the AI companion app Replika for herself – and discusses the experience with The Cut's <a href="https://twitter.com/sangeetaskurtz?lang=en">Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz</a>, who's spent the past year covering tech and dating. They talk about the surprising market that Replika has found and whether relationships with AI chatbots will become more common. Finally, they play a new game called 'Boyfriend... or Bot?' You can follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/NPRItsBeenAMin">@ItsBeenAMin</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:ibam@npr.org">ibam@npr.org</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

Has it been a minute since you heard a thought-provoking conversation about culture? Brittany Luse wants to help. Each week, she takes the things everyone's talking about and, in conversation with her favorite creators, tastemakers, and experts, gives you new ways to think about them. Beyond the obvious takes. Because culture doesn't happen by accident. If you can't get enough, try It's Been a Minute Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/itsbeenaminute