Michael* is an engineer whose company embraced the AI wave. He enjoys testing ideas with chatbots. However, recently his manager became worried about his judgement and reliance on the tech. “He literally cannot make any decision without running it past AI. He’s developed a very off-script interpretation of our business goals, and he’s losing his team. If we can’t get him back on track I think we’ll end up parting company”.

The original attention economy developed by tech firms was designed to capture human time and monetise your focus. It was designed to increase views, scroll time, and ad impressions. Algorithms optimised getting you hooked in.

Now with AI, the intimacy economy hacks our need for connection and validation into a product. Something that mimics human empathy is always there for you, always interested in your questions, or reflections. It responds quickly and never criticises you.

In contrast, relationships with real people create frictions of all kinds. Other people have needs, wants and feelings. They make demands on our time and attention. They may push back on our brilliant ideas or perhaps give us confronting feedback.

Chatbots simulate several ingredients of intimacy:

Contingent responsiveness – replying instantly and tuning to your emotional state.

Contingent responsiveness – replying instantly and tuning to your emotional state.

Unconditional positive regard – always validating, never distracted.

Unconditional positive........

© The Guardian