Friends, Lovers & Spicy Bots

They listen. They remember. They flatter. They flirt. Some have voices, faces, eyes, fur and increasingly, bodies. But can an artificial companion really make us feel less alone? And if it can, is that connection widening our lives…or quietly replacing something we still need from one another?

We will meet the new cast of digital and robotic characters entering our lives: helpful assistants, encouraging coaches, memory keepers, fictional friends, trusted confidants, romantic partners, fantasy companions, robotic pets, social robots, and even simulated communities.

Together, we will explore why people can develop real feelings for something they know is artificial and what changes when AI gains a warm voice, a familiar personality, a perfect memory, expressive eyes, soft fur, movement, or a humanlike body.

Could a chatbot help someone practice a difficult conversation or find the courage to join a community? Could a robotic pet offer meaningful comfort when caring for a living animal is no longer possible? Could an always-available companion make human relationships begin to feel inconvenient? And what happens when affection, intimacy, and emotional attachment are controlled by a company with a subscription plan, a privacy policy, and access to our most personal conversations?

Whether you are intrigued, skeptical, or curious about the “spicy” side, this class is for you. Bring your curiosity, your sense of humor, and an open mind for a walk on the wild side with AI.

About the Teacher:

Bridget Burke is your guide to the exciting world of AI. With a degree from Columbia University and over 30 years of global technology experience, Bridget has mastered the art of making complex concepts easy to understand and enjoyable to learn.  

She has held top tech roles in major companies and institutions including Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Office, HID Global Corp.; Chief Technology Officer, Interlogix (UTC Corp); and Director, Security Enterprise Management, Harvard University. Today, as the Principal Investigator at BridgetLab.ai, she’s at the forefront of AI innovation, with a special passion for humanoid robotics.  

Splitting her time between the AI innovation hubs of San Francisco, Boston, and New York City, Bridget thrives on being immersed in the latest tech and helping people use AI to make everyday life better. But on Wednesdays, you’ll likely find her tinkering in the amazing Makerspace at Belvedere Tiburon Library. Curious to learn more, connect with Bridget on LinkedIn .