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Learning Curve

Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?

“1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has,” NPR. 

“How many hours does it take to make a friend?,” research by this week’s guest Jeff Hall.

“Chatbots Can Go Into a Delusional Spiral. Here’s How It Happens,” in The New York Times.

Talk out the Thomas Jefferson chatbot discussed on this episode.

“Programmed for Love,” an article I wrote for The Chronicle of Higher Education about Sherry Turkle’s work back in 2011.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Reported and produced by Jeff Young

Music by Komiku

©Copyright 2026 Learning Curve Productions LLC


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