The Rise of AI Companions and What It Reveals About Human Connection

“People are not just looking for connection. They are looking for emotional safety.”

A few years ago, the idea that millions of people would turn to artificial intelligence for emotional comfort would have sounded almost absurd. Most people imagined AI as something functional — a tool for work, organization, or information. But over the last year, something much deeper has emerged. People are now using AI companions and c...

In this deep and heartfelt episode, Susan Regan, MFT, reconnects with Tara Gariano after four years to explore how relationships have evolved since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tara shares her observations on the shifts in couples’ dynamics, emphasizing the renewed focus on deepening intimacy and connection. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on relationships, the importance of intentional practices like structured date nights, and the challenges of maintaining erotic and emotional i...