What does intimacy mean in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence?This discussion brings together critical perspectives on the rise of AI companions, chatbots and other technologies that promise connection, care and even love. While these systems are often framed as solutions to loneliness or social isolation, the conversation pushes beyond this narrative to examine the political, economic and ethical dimensions that underpin them.Moderator: <ul><li>Dr Zahra Stardust</li></ul>Speakers:<ul><li>Micaela Mantegna</li><li>Dianela Gahn</li></ul>This is a RightsCon session hosted by Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM), in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), following the cancellation of RightsCon 2026.

Call for Proposals – Resisting Erasure: Communities Reclaiming Knowledge Production

The SRHM Podcast explores new research and emerging trends in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters or SRHM promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights globally. At the heart of SRHM is a multidisciplinary, open-access, peer-reviewed journal. SRHM also creates and participates in spaces that motivate improvements in research, policy, services and practice. It contributes to capacity building in knowledge generation. 

Learn more at srhm.org. 

Music by Tiber Krisztián and Salamon Botond
Sound editing by We Edit Podcasts