Twenty-first century technologies such as robots, virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are creeping into every corner of our social and emotional lives — hacking how we form friendships, build intimacy, fall in love and get off. In my recently-published book, I consider the possibilities, both terrifying and inspiring, offered by these “artificially intimate” technologies. On one hand, these tools can help deliver much-needed support. On the other, they risk increasing sexual inequality, and replacing precious in-person interaction with less-than-ideal substitutes. Three types of artificial intimacy At first mention of artificial intimacy, many people’s minds may jump straight to…

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