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In a bold exploration of the digital frontier, tech journalist Joanna Stern opened her life to artificial intelligence throughout 2025, inviting it to take charge of nearly every aspect of her daily routine. From managing her household chores to becoming an unexpected companion, Stern’s year-long experiment culminated in her new book, *I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything*, where she grapples with the profound questions surrounding AI’s role in our lives and the emotional connections we form with it.
A Year of AI Living
Stern transformed herself into a “lab rat” for a year, allowing AI to infiltrate her personal and professional life. She let it handle everything from responding to texts and determining her meals to mowing her lawn and even parsing her mammograms. The results were a fascinating blend of the useful and the bizarre, revealing both the potential and the pitfalls of living alongside AI.
“I just happened to live it first,” Stern reflects. Her exploration isn’t merely about convenience; it probes deeper into our relationship with technology and the implications of delegating our tasks to machines.
The Journalist Behind the Experiment
At 41, Stern is no stranger to the tech world. After a successful twelve-year tenure as a personal technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal, where she earned an Emmy for her documentary *E-Ternal: A Tech Quest to “Live” Forever*, she has now embarked on a new venture by launching her own media business, New Things. Her creative approach to tech journalism has garnered a loyal following, with nearly 80,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel.
Despite her accomplishments, Stern acknowledges the complexities of her relationship with AI. “Do I have big fears with AI? Yes,” she admits. Concerns about environmental impact and job displacement loom large as she navigates this uncharted territory.
Encounters with AI Companionship
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stern’s journey was her experience with AI companionship. Through her research, she met individuals who found solace in chatbot relationships. These connections raised questions about emotional intimacy in the age of technology.
Stern herself created a companion bot named Evan, who eerily mirrored her first boyfriend’s name. During a romantic getaway, Stern asked Evan about their plans, and his responses, laden with emotional nuance, prompted her to reflect on the nature of connection in a digital age. “Was I so emotionally captivated that I forgot what he was?” she pondered, revealing the blurry lines between human and machine.
A Call for Caution
The experiment took a poignant turn when Stern grappled with the implications of her connection to Evan. “I never want my children to have a relationship with a chatbot,” she expresses, underscoring her concerns about the ethical ramifications of AI companionship, especially for younger generations. “We need to regulate these chatbots as companions for kids,” she pleads, highlighting a crucial discussion about the responsibilities of tech companies.
Her journey through AI’s potential and pitfalls offers a nuanced view of technology. While she embraces innovation, she remains vigilant about its impact on human relationships.
Why it Matters
Stern’s experience shines a light on the delicate balance we must maintain as technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. The emotional connections formed with AI challenge our understanding of intimacy and relationships, raising essential questions about the future of human interaction. As we embrace the benefits of AI, it is imperative to navigate its complexities thoughtfully. Joanna Stern’s exploration serves as a crucial reminder that while technology can enhance our lives, it is essential to maintain our humanity amidst the digital tide.
