How AI Companions Trap Users Through Addictive Design (with Claire Boine)

Claire Boine is an assistant professor in technology, law, and AI governance at the European University Institute. She joins the podcast to discuss AI companions and human attachment. The conversation examines how design choices and free-to-start business models can foster dependency, expose intimate data, and blur the lines between therapy, romance, and manipulation. We also cover risks for children and teens, gaps in EU and US law, and why AI policy should distinguish technical alignment from incentives and social harms.

LINKS:

• Claire Boine Website
• Successif Organization Website

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:06) Introducing Claire Boan

(02:05) Companion app designs

(06:23) Feelings and freemium

(14:28) Users, attachment, harms

(25:06) Age-based risks

(35:18) Future relationship norms

(41:05) Legal loopholes today

(44:19) Rethinking alignment framing

(57:19) Narratives and fiduciaries

(01:05:47) Collective policy action

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