From Algorithms to Intimacy: AI and Mating in the Digital Age with Dr. Justin Garcia, PhD

From Algorithms to Intimacy: AI and Mating in the Digital Age with Dr. Justin Garcia, PhD

*This is part two of a two-part conversation

Recent Kinsey Institute research highlights that nearly half of single Gen Z adults now utilize algorithms to optimize their online dating profiles. Yet, they say it erodes their trust if they discover the other person uses it too. This paradox reveals a growing tension in the science of love and relationships: while we crave the efficiency of technology, we remain biologically wired for raw, uncurated vulnerability.

 **This episode explores human sexuality and is intended for mature audiences.

To discover what lies ahead in the future of dating, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Justin Garcia, an award-winning researcher, educator, and Executive Director of Kinsey Institute Research.

Justin continues the conversation with staggering statistics about AI usage in dating apps, expectations of Gen Z’ers when it comes to courtship, and the erosion of trust and transparency in the digital age.

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Justin R. Garcia, PhD, is Executive Director of The Kinsey Institute and Ruth Halls Professor of Gender Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. An award-winning researcher and educator, Dr. Garcia’s research focuses on people’s romantic and sexual lives throughout the life course, especially on integrative bio-psycho-social models of variation in courtship, intimacy, and sexual behavior.

He has co-authored over 100 academic articles and book chapters, and is co-author of Evolution and Human Sexual Behavior (Harvard University Press). Since 2010, he has been Scientific Advisor to the world’s largest relationship company, Match.com.

Book: The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love

Justin R. Garcia, PhD—The Science of Love & Relationships from Kinsey Institute Research:

  • The rise of AI in our romantic lives. {2:45}
  • The science of love and relationships. {10:08}
  • Is the future of dating polyamory or negotiated non-monogamy? {7:50}
  • Overcoming fatigue to cultivate intimacy in important relationships. {15:30}
  • Trust and privacy concerns associated with AI’s public domain. {25:36}
  • The future of dating, on apps and in person. {31:11}

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Kinsey Institute’s website
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Shareables:

“The desire for physical intimacy has waned, but the desire for connected-relational intimacy has improved.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Young people want to see partners more and longer.” @DrJustinGarcia on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Courtship is all about transparency and trust and honestly showing who you are." @DrJustinGarcia on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “There are three entities in relationships. There's me, there's you, and there's us.” @DrJustinGarcia on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

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