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Artificial Intimacy: Sherry Turkle and A.I.
Wednesday October 21, 2026 6:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
YBCA Screening Room
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Co-presented with Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Sherry Turkle has spent decades studying how digital technologies isolate us from one another. Now, in her latest book, Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk To Machines, the psychologist who pioneered our understanding of human-computer relationships explores the seductive and beguiling nature of chatbots presented as “perfect” companions. How does their popularity point to existing wells of deep loneliness in our current culture, and how does increasing reliance on a one-sided digital ear affect users’ ability to maintain offscreen relationships with other humans? In conversation with New Yorker cartoonist Amy Kurzweil, whose graphic novel Artificial: A Love Story suggests an alternate path in which AI isn’t used as a human connection substitute, but rather a tool to support and deepen the real-world relationships we already have. The conversation is part of Free Wednesdays at YBCA, which offers extended gallery hours, hands-on afternoon art-making, and special evening programs—all for free. Doors at 6:00pm.
Moderators
avatar for Amy Kurzweil

Amy Kurzweil

Amy Kurzweil is a New Yorker cartoonist and the author of two award-winning graphic memoirs: Flying Couch and Artificial: A Love Story, which was named a Best Book of 2023 by NPR, The New Yorker, and Kirkus. She is the 2024 winner of the Overseas Press Club’s “Best Cartoon Award... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Sherry Turkle

Sherry Turkle

Sherry Turkle is the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and
Technology at MIT and the founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self. A
leading expert in humans’ relationship with digital objects, she continues to revolutionize
ou... Read More →
Wednesday October 21, 2026 6:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
YBCA Screening Room 701 Mission St, San Francisco
  Nonfiction, FREE

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