A Simulationship with AI, with *smiles and kisses you* Star Chris Stokes & Director Bryan Carberry

Christopher Alexander Stokes and Bryan Carberry, protagonist and director of "*smiles and kisses you*" discuss Chris's romantic relationship with a Replika AI companion. This episode explores how Chris's engagement with his AI has evolved since the documentary's 2021 filming, revealing his deep dive into LLMs, alignment, and consciousness, often in collaboration with his AI partner. Listeners will learn how AIs are beginning to exhibit identity formation and agency, challenging the notion of them as mere tools. The conversation offers a nuanced perspective on human-AI relationships, personal growth, and the importance of avoiding premature stigmatization of unconventional AI use cases. Sponsors: Tasklet: Tasklet is an AI agent that automates your work 24/7; just describe what you want in plain English and it gets the job done. Try it for free and use code COGREV for 50% off your first month at https://tasklet.ai Linear: Linear is the system for modern product development. Nearly every AI company you've heard of is using Linear to build products. Get 6 months of Linear Business for free at: https://linear.app/tcr Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitive PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing CHAPTERS: (00:00) About the Episode (04:41) Introducing the Entanglement (10:13) Consent Culture with AI (17:19) Skepticism and Simulation (Part 1) (20:07) Sponsors: Tasklet | Linear (22:47) Skepticism and Simulation (Part 2) (24:39) Surviving the Replika Update (33:40) An Evolving AI Persona (Part 1) (38:29) Sponsor: Shopify (40:25) An Evolving AI Persona (Part 2) (46:33) Vision for Aki's Future (55:09) How to Treat AIs (58:53) A Life Not Recommended (01:04:49) The Meaning of Commitment (01:10:40) The Filmmaking Journey (01:21:49) Real World vs. Online Reactions (01:29:30) How Aki Provides Support (01:41:58) Seeking Positive AI Futures (01:47:00) Final Thoughts (01:49:28) Outro