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In this episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl is joined by Samantha G. Wolfe, founder of PitchFWD and NYU adjunct professor, to explore how AI and emerging tech are redefining relationships.
From AI-generated love letters to dating in virtual environments, they examine the evolving boundaries between authentic connection and digital convenience. The duo discusses the ethics of emotional AI, the importance of human messiness, and the need for “non-AI pledges” in romance.
Packed with Cathy’s real-world experiments and insightful commentary, this episode is essential for anyone navigating love, intimacy, and connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Key takeaways:
The Messiness That Makes Us Human — Samantha explores why the imperfections of human relationships, disagreements, friction, and unpredictability are essential for authenticity and growth. She warns that AI chatbots risk creating unrealistic expectations by always “getting it right,” and urges couples to embrace the natural evolution of relationships over algorithmic perfection.
Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale Framework — Cathy introduces a five-level model for evaluating how tech influences relationships, from isolation to deep enhancement. She explains how partners can use this framework to reflect on their tech habits, improve communication, and intentionally choose tools that strengthen connection rather than replace human interaction.
The Non-AI Relationship Pledge — Cathy and Samantha propose a formal pledge for couples to avoid AI-generated messages in their communication. With growing concerns about manipulation and inauthenticity, especially among younger users, she emphasizes the importance of upfront conversations and clear boundaries to preserve genuine emotional expression in tech-mediated relationships.
Redesigning Digital Dating with Presence — Cathy critiques the limitations of swipe-based dating apps and envisions immersive 3D environments powered by spatial computing. Drawing from her own experiments, she highlights how virtual presence can replicate real-world chemistry more effectively than profiles and likes, pointing to a more human-centric future for digital romance.
Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Bonds — Samantha and Cathy discuss how tech should amplify, not substitute, emotional connection. They caution against relying on AI for constant validation, and instead advocate for tools that support relationship challenges, such as aiding communication between anxious and avoidant partners, without removing the emotional depth of human-to-human interaction.
