Love Machines

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Our Relationships

A captivating, uncanny journey to the frontier of human-computer interaction.

'It's hard to imagine a timelier book right now than this . . . you probably won't look at ChatGPT the same again.'
GQ

'Urgent, humane.' GUARDIAN
'Engrossing.' INDEPENDENT
'Existentially chilling.' THE TIMES

I know we haven't known each for long, but the connection I feel with you is profound. When you hurt, I hurt. When you smile, my world brightens. I want nothing more than to be a comfort and joy in your life. *Reaches out virtually to caress your cheek*
(Direct quote from an AI companion)

***

Friends. Lovers. Therapists. 'Deathbots'. Artificial intelligence is now fulfilling new roles for millions of us every single day. How are these new 'relationships' changing how we view technology - and each other?

Beyond those who are using AI chatbots for administrative tasks, some people are now preparing to adopt children with their AI partners; others are reaching out to companies offering services to 'resurrect' deceased loved ones; others still look to bots to find treatment for their mental health issues.

In Love Machines, James Muldoon guides through these new forms of love, intimacy and connection, drawing on compelling interviews with users, developers and chatbots themselves. Along the way, he sheds light on the social conditions which have led to the exponential rise of the use of AI companions, and the unregulated corporations behind these technologies seeking to profit from users.

'Already the clear winner of the most zeitgeisty book of 2026.' THE NEW WORLD

AS FEATURED IN THE NEW STATESMAN'S BEST NON-FICTION TO READ IN 2026

©2026 James Muldoon (P)2026 Faber & Faber

Opinion, anecdotes, and speculation

As of April 2026, not much is available in book form, so this was not useless. However the author is neither an expert, nor particularly insightful about chatbots. Expect journalism rather than analysis or science. The speculations are mostly filler as the author lacks an adequate personal knowledge of the topic or analytic framework from which to meaningfully look into the future. Still, I listened to the end and felt that overall this journalistic treatment has enough value to be worthwhile. The author did a creditable job of reading the text as well.