What do you think?
Rate this book
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.' GQ
'Urgent, humane.' GUARDIAN
'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.
'It's hard to imagine a timelier book right now than this.' GQ
'Urgent, humane.' GUARDIAN
'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.
- GenresNonfiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 15, 2026
10 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 20, 2025
3.5 stars
A fascinating and well researched read, this was eye-opening and a little depressing, as Muldoon explores the boom of AI relationships. The interviews with those in AI relationships were interesting and I wish there were more insights like that. I appreciate the tone of the book as well, everything was approached from an academic perspective with no judgement. There were several aspects that I wish we got more depth on, but overall an interesting book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #LoveMachines #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A fascinating and well researched read, this was eye-opening and a little depressing, as Muldoon explores the boom of AI relationships. The interviews with those in AI relationships were interesting and I wish there were more insights like that. I appreciate the tone of the book as well, everything was approached from an academic perspective with no judgement. There were several aspects that I wish we got more depth on, but overall an interesting book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #LoveMachines #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
This book blew my mind! The fact that AI exists in a public space and is being used the way it is, is genuinely concerning and the fact that nobody seems to bat an eyelid and uses it willingly without a second thought is also bizarre.
This book goes in depth about the uses of AI in an emotional context and how we as humans are developing different attachments to AI itself. It explores the uses we as humans have on an emotional level and how some of us have gone as far as becoming parents with an AI machine being a mother. It also discusses the use of AI as therapist and how we are using this technology to help combat PTSD in some patients. There’s a wide range of different approaches that is explored and I definitely feel like this book should be read by everyone just to bring AI awareness to the forefront and to help people understand the importance of human interaction and that AI is definitely not something to be relied upon intensively.
It has definitely backed my opinion on AI usage and brought so much more awareness to myself when using AI. I hope everyone reads this and takes some sort of awareness from it too.
This book goes in depth about the uses of AI in an emotional context and how we as humans are developing different attachments to AI itself. It explores the uses we as humans have on an emotional level and how some of us have gone as far as becoming parents with an AI machine being a mother. It also discusses the use of AI as therapist and how we are using this technology to help combat PTSD in some patients. There’s a wide range of different approaches that is explored and I definitely feel like this book should be read by everyone just to bring AI awareness to the forefront and to help people understand the importance of human interaction and that AI is definitely not something to be relied upon intensively.
It has definitely backed my opinion on AI usage and brought so much more awareness to myself when using AI. I hope everyone reads this and takes some sort of awareness from it too.
December 10, 2025
Love Machines is a book exploring the world of AI chatbots for human relationships and the kinds of intimacy and connection that these tools are currently being used for. Muldoon documents a range of case studies featuring people who use different kinds of AI chatbots as a friend, lover, therapist, or replacement for a real individual, discussing what they're used for and the companies behind them, as well as testing out a tool himself. The book concludes with his six recommendations for future use of AI chatbots in this relationship-type capacity.
As someone who reads quite a bit around AI, the content of this book wasn't news to me. However, I appreciate how Muldoon offers a range of examples of how chatbots are used in a more personal way, not just as a tool to answer questions or write things for you, as it feels like for a lot of people who are only aware of ChatGPT and its main use cases, they might not know about other tools and uses of generative AI chatbots. The 'deathbots' side of things is perhaps most notable to some people as being similar to multiple bits of Black Mirror episodes, but this book gives more real life perspective on the issue.
Muldoon does discuss the companies and products currently available and in the deathbot chapter does refer to the fact that people creating a chatbot of a loved one are reliant on the company continuing to exist and them still having the money to pay for the subscription. However, I think the book could've gone into more depth around the economic side of these tools and the different use cases for them, and in particular how the digital divide and the high cost of subscriptions to these tools mean that it isn't just a simple case of 'these might help mental health or loneliness', but a question of who would even be able to afford that help. I think Muldoon's final point in the conclusion–that we also need to look beyond technology for solutions to some of the problems these chatbots are apparently trying to solve–is an important one that could've been more prevalent in the book before that point, as it offers a critical framework for considering the claims of the technology companies discussed.
This book is an accessible exploration of the use of AI chatbots for human relationships that focuses on real life case studies and a discussion of the tools currently on the market. As it is a new and fast-moving area, there's not much scope for looking at the longer term effects on human relationships, so it is a book for the current AI moment rather than something that can necessarily last for a long time.
As someone who reads quite a bit around AI, the content of this book wasn't news to me. However, I appreciate how Muldoon offers a range of examples of how chatbots are used in a more personal way, not just as a tool to answer questions or write things for you, as it feels like for a lot of people who are only aware of ChatGPT and its main use cases, they might not know about other tools and uses of generative AI chatbots. The 'deathbots' side of things is perhaps most notable to some people as being similar to multiple bits of Black Mirror episodes, but this book gives more real life perspective on the issue.
Muldoon does discuss the companies and products currently available and in the deathbot chapter does refer to the fact that people creating a chatbot of a loved one are reliant on the company continuing to exist and them still having the money to pay for the subscription. However, I think the book could've gone into more depth around the economic side of these tools and the different use cases for them, and in particular how the digital divide and the high cost of subscriptions to these tools mean that it isn't just a simple case of 'these might help mental health or loneliness', but a question of who would even be able to afford that help. I think Muldoon's final point in the conclusion–that we also need to look beyond technology for solutions to some of the problems these chatbots are apparently trying to solve–is an important one that could've been more prevalent in the book before that point, as it offers a critical framework for considering the claims of the technology companies discussed.
This book is an accessible exploration of the use of AI chatbots for human relationships that focuses on real life case studies and a discussion of the tools currently on the market. As it is a new and fast-moving area, there's not much scope for looking at the longer term effects on human relationships, so it is a book for the current AI moment rather than something that can necessarily last for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Love Machines: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Our Relationships by James Muldoon
A massive thank you to @faberbooks for the proof copy.
Friends, Lovers, Therapists. Lend me your deathbots. I come to replicate Caesar in the digital afterlife.
At least, that's how that quote might look if Shakespeare was writing today.
This well researched non-fiction title is absolutely fascinating. If, like me, your interaction with AI consists of only a few Gemini or Chat GPT questions and seeing computer drawn images, then prepare to have your mind blown.
James Muldoon takes a detailed look at what has been happening with AI in the last few years and interviews not only a variety of people that use AI for different types of relationships but he also interviews some AI themselves. The connection between humans and technology has entered new territory and he explores where the future might be headed.
He's broken the book down into four sections dealing with different types of relationships.
The rise of AI as a friend or mentor, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the increase in loneliness and socially isolated people.
AI as a romantic or sexual partner. A lifelong companion and part of a new family dynamic.
AI in the role of a therapist or psychologist. A sounding board for our problems and the integration of AI into the healthcare system, particularly with the unprecedented demand for mental health treatment.
Finally, there is the digital afterlife. AI as a cure for grief. A way of bringing back a version of the departed.
In all areas there are both positive stories and also the dangers inherent in the reliance of simulated empathy and advice.
It's a real eye-opener as to what is already possible and what may soon come to pass.
Muldoon's conclusions cover various legal and ethical dilemmas as well as the minefield that is data protection.
It's an unbiased and easy to read exploration of a subject which is sure to impact all of our lives.
A recommended read.
A massive thank you to @faberbooks for the proof copy.
Friends, Lovers, Therapists. Lend me your deathbots. I come to replicate Caesar in the digital afterlife.
At least, that's how that quote might look if Shakespeare was writing today.
This well researched non-fiction title is absolutely fascinating. If, like me, your interaction with AI consists of only a few Gemini or Chat GPT questions and seeing computer drawn images, then prepare to have your mind blown.
James Muldoon takes a detailed look at what has been happening with AI in the last few years and interviews not only a variety of people that use AI for different types of relationships but he also interviews some AI themselves. The connection between humans and technology has entered new territory and he explores where the future might be headed.
He's broken the book down into four sections dealing with different types of relationships.
The rise of AI as a friend or mentor, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the increase in loneliness and socially isolated people.
AI as a romantic or sexual partner. A lifelong companion and part of a new family dynamic.
AI in the role of a therapist or psychologist. A sounding board for our problems and the integration of AI into the healthcare system, particularly with the unprecedented demand for mental health treatment.
Finally, there is the digital afterlife. AI as a cure for grief. A way of bringing back a version of the departed.
In all areas there are both positive stories and also the dangers inherent in the reliance of simulated empathy and advice.
It's a real eye-opener as to what is already possible and what may soon come to pass.
Muldoon's conclusions cover various legal and ethical dilemmas as well as the minefield that is data protection.
It's an unbiased and easy to read exploration of a subject which is sure to impact all of our lives.
A recommended read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Faber Books for sending me an ARC of this book!
Regardless of your viewpoint, I implore everyone to give this a go. I must admit I held some judgements about AI being used as substitutes/additions to human relationships (partners, friends, psychologists, etc.), but after having read this book I find myself approaching this concept with much more of an open mind.
It helped me to understand and empathise with the reasons why some people may opt to invest in AI relationships instead of human connections. The author gives a balanced and well-researched argument both for and against its use, as well as offering advice on how to protect yourself when talking to AI.
AI in our future is inevitable, whether we like it or not, and it is essential that we all educate ourselves on this topic — Love Machines by James Muldoon is the book to help you do this!
Regardless of your viewpoint, I implore everyone to give this a go. I must admit I held some judgements about AI being used as substitutes/additions to human relationships (partners, friends, psychologists, etc.), but after having read this book I find myself approaching this concept with much more of an open mind.
It helped me to understand and empathise with the reasons why some people may opt to invest in AI relationships instead of human connections. The author gives a balanced and well-researched argument both for and against its use, as well as offering advice on how to protect yourself when talking to AI.
AI in our future is inevitable, whether we like it or not, and it is essential that we all educate ourselves on this topic — Love Machines by James Muldoon is the book to help you do this!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Very interesting case studies and a relatively non-judgemental approach to the ways in which AI is entering our private lives and influencing our relationships. I also thought the warnings about who owns this extremely sensitive private data and how they might make use of it were warranted.
November 23, 2025
This is very heavy on the case study side but I feel like no strong overall argument was made.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews