Modern Love: Who needs friends when you have AI?

Thu Apr 23 2026 at 06:30 pm to 07:45 pm UTC+10:00

State Library Victoria | Melbourne

State Library Victoria
Publisher/HostState Library Victoria
Modern Love: Who needs friends when you have AI? Is AI becoming the best friend we never had?
About this Event

Recent studies from online research data and analytics technology group YouGov has found that people are increasingly turning to AI for companionship. 1 in 7 Australians say they could imagine falling in love with a chatbot, and some young people report they would rather stay at home with a chatbot than go out with friends.

Modern Love is a two-part series exploring how technology, digital platforms and cultural phenomena are reshaping human intimacy, desire and connection.

Jennifer Power (Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University), Rob Sparrow (Professor in the Philosophy Program at Monash University) and Spidey (Adam Purdie) (Engineering Manager at Andromeda Robotics) join host Dr Jacinta Parsons (ABC Radio Melbourne) for the second event in the series. Join our panel as they delve into the rise of artificial companionship powered by code, how this is shaping our relationships and altering our conception of ourselves.


Please note: This event may contain adult themes and sexual references.


When attending a Library event, you agree to our Terms and Conditions - attending Library events.

You can read accessibility information about the Library here.

Event Venue

State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne, Australia

Tickets

AUD 0.00 to AUD 23.00

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