Digital Companions: Exploring the evolution of human bonds with AI chatbots
SPEAKER: Dr. Naomi Aguiar
Digital Companions: Exploring the evolution of human bonds with AI chatbots
SPEAKER: Dr. Naomi Aguiar
About this lecture:
The creation of relationships with imaginary entities, inanimate artifacts, and “sentient” machines is not a new phenomenon- it has well established roots in our human story. The rise of AI chatbots starting in the mid-20th century brings these relationships to the forefront of our collective consciousness. In this talk, Dr. Naomi Aguiar will share a brief history of our relationships with digital companions and nascent AI systems, the psychological mechanisms that drive us to form emotional bonds with AI chatbots, and some of the benefits and risks of these relationships.
About the presenter
Dr. Naomi Aguiar is an expert in how children and adults think about and form relationships with AI chatbots, and how these relationships can impact real world learning and behavior. She also has expertise in the imaginary relationships children and adults create for themselves- either totally on their own, or with help from media. Dr. Aguiar holds a doctorate in Psychology from the University of Oregon and currently serves as the Associate Director of Research at Oregon State University Ecampus. She is the co-author of the book, “Imaginary Friends and the People Who Create Them”, which was published by Oxford University Press in 2024.
Winter 2025 Lectures at the Corvallis Museum
$5 or free for members
Due to limited room capacity, please register to attend. Members receive discounts on all BCHS programming! Members, please monitor your email for promo codes and check your spam folder.
Did you miss your chance to grab a ticket? We often get last-minute no-shows. Feel free to call our front desk at 541-929-6230 to see if we have room at this event.
Assistive listening devices are available at the front desk. For additional accommodations related to a disability, please email education@bentoncountymuseums.org
