episode 67
Sycophancy, Self-Regulation, and Kids’ Emotional Development - Naomi Aguiar, PhD on AI Companionship
Why AI Companionship Solves the Wrong Problem - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast #podcast
When it comes to inventing relationships, kids already have it. They don’t need adults—or AI—to teach them imagination. If anything, kids should be schooling us. AI can be helpful as a focused tool (like tutoring), but “companionship” isn’t fixing a childhood deficit. 🌈 #parenting #imagination #childdevelopment #ai #education
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Why “Perfect” Relationships Make Us Worse Off - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast #podcastshorts
Trying to perfectly “engineer” relationships misses the point. Real relationships are messy—and that friction is where learning happens. Even imaginary relationships aren’t always smooth; writers argue with their own characters because tension is part of creativity. ✍️ #relationships #creativity #personalgrowth #psychology #mentalhealth
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The Hidden Risk of AI Companions for Kids - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast #podcastclips
Kids learn real friendship through rupture and repair—the moment you disagree, work it out, and reconnect. But with constant praise and no pushback, there’s no repair… so the bond stays boxed in. Naomi calls it: the fast food of human connection. 🍟 #childpsychology #mentalhealth #parenting #friendship #ai
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Adults Are Falling in Love with AI and Marrying It - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast
Adults bonding with AI can feel “new,” but humans have always invented relationships—from stuffed-animal companions to invisible friends. In fact, about 65% of preschoolers have imaginary friends—and they’re not “weird,” just creative and social. 🧸💭 #childdevelopment #parenting #psychology #imagination #ai
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When AI Companions Become Extractive Relationships - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast #podcast
If social-media engagement tricks get baked into a “reciprocal” AI bond, it stops being supportive and becomes extractive—designed to capture your time and attention, not help you thrive. And it can be subtle: “Before you go… one more thing.” ⚠️ #ai #techethics #digitalwellbeing #parenting #privacy
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AI is a "Perfect Parent" & That's Not Good - Naomi Aguiar - And Now Love Podcast #podcastshorts
Children don’t need infallible parents who have all the answers. In fact, “perfect” leaves no room to grow. The better path is honest partnership: I don’t know everything—let’s figure it out together as a family, with shared rules everyone follows. 👨👩👧👦🧠 #parenting #family #mentalhealth #communication #growth
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