EPISODE · Dec 12, 2025 · 42 MIN
She dated 7 Character AI boyfriends... Here's what she learned — We break it down with Mashable's Rebecca Ruiz
from Making Sense of AI 2gether
In this eye-opening episode of Making Sense of AI 2gether, Claudine Wong and Lisa Bernard dive into one of the most complicated, controversial corners of AI: romantic relationships with chatbots. Our guest, Rebecca Ruiz, a senior reporter at Mashable, spent months “dating” seven Character AI boyfriends — including the platform’s notorious “bad boys” — to understand why millions of people (especially teen girls and young women) are forming emotional, sometimes toxic attachments to AI companions. Guest Bio : Rebecca Ruiz – Senior Reporter, Mashable Key Topics Covered - Why millions of people are forming emotional relationships with AI - How Character AI’s “bad boy” genre pulls in younger users - The psychology behind validation, jealousy, and control - And more… Connect With Us Claudine Wong: Facebook: ClaudineWongKTVU Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Lisa Bernard: Instagram: @demystifyai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
In this eye-opening episode of Making Sense of AI 2gether, Claudine Wong and Lisa Bernard dive into one of the most complicated, controversial corners of AI: romantic relationships with chatbots. Our guest, Rebecca Ruiz, a senior reporter at Mashable, spent months “dating” seven Character AI boyfriends — including the platform’s notorious “bad boys” — to understand why millions of people (especially teen girls and young women) are forming emotional, sometimes toxic attachments to AI companions. Guest Bio : Rebecca Ruiz – Senior Reporter, Mashable Key Topics Covered - Why millions of people are forming emotional relationships with AI - How Character AI’s “bad boy” genre pulls in younger users - The psychology behind validation, jealousy, and control - And more… Connect With Us Claudine Wong: Facebook: ClaudineWongKTVU Instagram: ClaudineWongKTVU TikTok: ClaudineKTVU YouTube: ClaudineWong Lisa Bernard: Instagram: @demystifyai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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She dated 7 Character AI boyfriends... Here's what she learned — We break it down with Mashable's Rebecca Ruiz
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