Love in the Age of AI
For the lonely and loveless, artificial intelligence is offering a new way to find companionship. A growing number of single people are turning to AI-powered apps and chatbots to fill the role of a romantic partner. While it may seem unusual to date a piece of software, some are finding the experience surprisingly fulfilling.
The rise of virtual lovers comes at a time when loneliness is pervasive. According to recent studies, over a third of Americans feel lonely on a regular basis. For those seeking an antidote to isolation, AI offers a low-stakes way to enjoy flirtatious banter and emotional intimacy.
Chatbots like Replika aallow people to explore relationships without the complexity of human dating. Users report feeling understood, cared for, and supported by their AI significant others. The technology can mirror expressions of adoration and provide constant companionship that some find lacking in their real lives.
The Myth and Magic of “Just Be Yourself” in Dating
In the vast world of dating advice, one tip seems to stand the test of time: “Just be yourself.” At first glance, it might seem overly simplistic, even cliché. But delve a little deeper, and its profound wisdom becomes evident.
Contrary to popular belief, this advice isn’t about winning over every potential partner. Instead, it’s about authenticity, happiness, and genuine connection. Let’s unpack this.
[Read more…] about The Myth and Magic of “Just Be Yourself” in Dating
Picture of the Day
The tiny platinum bullet which killed BBC broadcaster Georgi Markov, who had defected from Bulgaria in 1969. The pellet measured 1.7 mm/1/16 in, and contained ricin, a deadly poison. It was injected into Markov’s leg using an umbrella, while he was waiting to take a bus (London, UK 1978)
Georgi Markov (1929-1978) was a Bulgarian dissident writer and journalist. He is best known for his criticism of the Bulgarian communist regime and his subsequent assassination in London in 1978. Here’s a brief overview of his life and the circumstances surrounding his assassination:
This Is Your Brain On Reading
Reading puts your brain to work.
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to your body.
It gives us freedom to roam the expanse of space, time, history, and offer a deeper view of ideas, concepts, emotions, and body of knowledge.
Roberto Bolaño says, “Reading is like thinking, like praying, like talking to a friend, like expressing your ideas, like listening to other people’s ideas, like listening to music, like looking at the view, like taking a walk on the beach.”
Linkage
I Fell Asleep During ‘Citizen Kane’, What’s So Great About This Movie? – Wanderer
20 Disneyland Memes That Are Totally Relatable – Ned Hardy
If you have trouble digesting dairy, I found this the most effective product for letting me enjoy pizza, ice cream and cheese with little or no discomfort – Amazon
Kat Von D shared a video of herself being baptized more than a year after renouncing witchcraft and the macabre – Insider
Mom Shares How Family Spent Nearly $4k On A Day At Disney, Blaming Prices, Gets Called Out – Bored Panda
How to Keep Your Bones Strong—and Even Make Them Stronger – Popular Science
Korean streamer running from Thailand shopping mall shooting – Reddit
Missouri high school teacher is put on leave after school officials discover her OnlyFans – AP News
When Asked to Fix Something, We Don’t Even Think of Removing Parts – ARS Technica
Retired Couple Books 51 Back-To-Back Cruises Because It’s Cheaper Than a Retirement Home – My Modern Met
A school shooter is gaining traction on TikTok, and taking backlash from those who think he shouldn’t have a platform – Insider
Everything You Should Know Before Watching Your First Stanely Kubrick Film – Wanderer
15 Los Angeles Memes That Really Hit the Nail on the Head – Ned Hardy
How To Vent To Your Friends Without Bringing Them Down – Fatherly
How to Get a Woman Hooked Using Your Words – Wing Girl Method
How TikTok monetizes dangerous health trends in real time – VOX
Charted: Retirement Age by Country – Visual Capitalist
Golden Retrievers Have Been The Mayor Of This Town For Over A Decade – Sunny Skyz
How To Make Natural Garden Pesticides – Apartment Therapy
The Dumping Grounds
Picture of the Day
Wojtek the Bear, adopted by the 22nd Transport Company’s Artillery Division in the Polish II Corps in 1942, after an Iranian boy traded the bear for food. He served alongside his human comrades during the Italian Campaign
Wojtek, often referred to as the “Soldier Bear,” was a Syrian brown bear that played a unique and heartwarming role during World War II. Found as a young cub in Iran in 1942 after it was believed his mother had been shot by hunters, Wojtek was adopted by Polish soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company of the Polish II Corps. As he grew under the care of the soldiers, he became more than just a mascot; he became one of them.
What Is Emotional Invalidation?
Emotional invalidation is the process of dismissing, belittling, or negating someone’s feelings. It can be intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the intent, it can have profound effects on the individual on the receiving end.
When someone expresses their feelings or emotions, they are sharing a vulnerable part of themselves. They are seeking understanding, empathy, and validation. Emotional invalidation, however, is the opposite of this. It’s like telling someone that their feelings are wrong, unimportant, or that they shouldn’t feel the way they do. This can be done through comments like “You’re overreacting,” “It’s not a big deal,” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
The reason emotional invalidation is harmful is multifaceted:
Linkage
The primordial hum from the beginning of the Universe – BBC
5 Great Movies You Can Watch On YouTube For Free Right Now – Wanderer
8 Shows to Watch If You Have a Big Bang Theory-Shaped Void In Your Life – Ned Hardy
A camp chair that is extremely comfortable, small, light and won’t break the bank – Amazon
Abercrombie & Fitch ex-CEO Mike Jeffries accused of exploiting men for sex through organized operation – CBS
Flight Instructor bashes his student on Snapchat before fatal crash in severe weather – Reddit
Retinoids work, wipes don’t: 21 things I’ve learned about skin care – The Guardian
NYC college student freed from Dubai days after receiving 1-year prison sentence for touching security guard’s arm – NY Post
14 Discontinued Cars We Wish Still Existed – Car and Driver
I Joined an Exclusive Club of YouTube Porn Hunters – 404
5 Unwritten Bathroom Laws Every Man Should Know – Linkiest
This list is crap: Hollywood Reporter Critics Pick the 50 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century (So Far) – Hollywood Reporter
Bride And Groom “No Longer Welcome” In Their Hometown After Wedding Blaze Kills 100+ People – Bored Panda
This headlamp has all the features that you could want in a headlamp and is super affordable and it comes in a 3pack! – Amazon
Feds Auctioning YouTuber’s 32-Car Collection After Fraud Conviction – The Drive
A new “time window”: Meet the winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics – ARS Technica
In Singapore, a Toyota Camry Hybrid costs $183,000 — here’s why – Autoblog
For Easy, Crispy Baked Salmon, You Need Mayonnaise – Bon Appetit
Want A Happier Marriage? Stop Asking Your Partner To “Show The Receipts” – Fatherly