Why Are People Falling In Love With Robots? - Rob Brooks - #659

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello everybody, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Rob Brooks. He's a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of New South Wales, a researcher and an author. Machines are integrating themselves more and more into our lives from algorithms which know when you're depressed and want to eat ice cream to sex robots who are available to satisfy your desires on demand. This concept known as artificial intimacy might seem as though it's from a science fiction novel, but it's rapidly becoming a reality in modern life. Expect to learn what artificial intimacy is and its potential impact on the future of relationships, whether it's actually legal to get married to a robot, how worried we should be about people retreating from the real world, the danger of supermarkets who can talk to your sex toys, whether artificial intimacy is better than no intimacy at all, and much more. This Monday, an absolutely huge episode with Sam Harris, neuroscientist and moral philosopher is going live. It's one of the episodes I've looked forward to the most this year. Sam has been an absolutely massive influence on me over the last decade, and I can't wait to get this one out. So make sure that you've hit the subscribe button. It is the best way to support this show, and it ensures that you will not miss that episode when it goes live. A thank you. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Gymshark. I'm actually in LA in a couple of weeks time for Gymshark's Lift LA event. So if you are there, you will see me there too, and I will be sporting all of my favorite pieces from Gymshark, including their Studio Shorts, which I'm adamant are still the best men's shorts ever created. If you're a guy who is looking for some new shorts, this is the place to go. Studio Shorts, their Crest hoodie and their Geo Seamless T-shirt is like the ultimate three-car garage for every type of workout or travel that you need to do. It's so comfy. And I got them to update my product page with all of the stuff that I use and recommend for guys and girls. Plus, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee with free returns across all products. And you can get a 10% discount with no minimum purchase. So go to bit.ly slash shark wisdom and use the code MW10 at checkout. That's my product page. That's all the stuff that I use and recommend plus MW10 will get you that 10% off at checkout. That's bit.ly slash shark wisdom. In other other news, this episode is brought to you by Element. Element is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is perfectly suited no matter whether you're following a keto, low carb, paleo or a vegan diet. It contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium with no junk, sugar, colouring, artificial ingredients, gluten fillers or BS. It plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue whilst optimising brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. It is the way that I've started my morning for nearly three years now. And I love it. Their orange-flavoured salt in water is phenomenal. It's the best way to start the day. They're also the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting, and relied on by tons of Olympic athletes and high performers all around the world. They have a no BS, no questions asked refund policy, so you can buy it 100% risk-free, and you don't even need to return the box if you don't like it. That's how confident they are that you'll love it. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavors with your first box. That's www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom.
And in final news, this episode is brought to you by Marek Health. Marek Health is a premium telehealth platform that connects customers with partnered providers from the comfort of your own home. Marek Health provides a concierge service with your very own patient coordinator. As your health advocate, you go through all of your needs and goals from improved sexual function, hair loss prevention, increased muscle, fat loss and overall improved performance. Prescribed treatment options can then be ordered and shipped directly to you if you meet the requirements all from the comfort of your home. They are the best blood work company in America. You get your blood drawn at any one of the lab corp facilities around the US. After they've got your results, they will take you through everything. Diets, lifestyle, training, intervention, supplementation, and if you need it, pharmacological interventions too. So if you are not performing in the gym or in the bedroom in the way that you would like, this is a fantastic place to start. Head to marekhealth.com/modernwisdom and use the code modern wisdom at checkout for 10% off your first labs. That's M-A-R-E-K health.com/modernwisdom and modern wisdom at checkout. But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Rob Brooks.