A generation in an “engineered intimacy” experiment.
- Simone Pinto
- Sep 27
- 1 min read
Hussein M. Dajani - CCXP, wrote a fascinating and deeply insightful LinkedIn post:
The final word stopped me in my tracks.
The human question
A final word from Sherry Turkle, who has been warning about “engineered intimacy” for over a decade: technology can seduce us where we’re most vulnerable, offering “the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship.” That doesn’t make AI companions inherently harmful—but it does make intentionality non-negotiable. Used with care, they can be comfort and catalyst. Used without guardrails, they risk becoming substitutes for the very human ties we need to thrive.
I agree, we’re watching a generation grow up in the middle of this “engineered intimacy” experiment.
I can see the benefit for some young people in AI companions soothing loneliness, but the risk of them replacing the very human ties that build belonging and resilience, without intention and guardrails, deeply concerns me.
The truth is, our young people are learning to communicate with algorithms and bots before they learn to communicate with each other and the impact on how we form and sustain relationships is profound.
The task ahead is clear:
we need to design technologies that support the communities around them and strengthen real connection, not just simulate it - if we don’t ... the fractures already running through our society, and witnessed over the weekend in London (Today is a horrible day in London), will only deepen.