Author Talk - Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines

Join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and acclaimed author and MIT professor Sherry Turkle for a timely conversation about artificial intelligence, human connection, and her new book, Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines.

ISAC is pleased to invite you to a free, in-person author event with Sherry Turkle as she discusses her new book, Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines.

Turkle is the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology at MIT and the founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self. For decades, her research and writing have explored how technology shapes our relationships, conversations, and sense of self.

In Artificial Intimacy, Turkle turns her attention to AI chatbot culture and what happens as increasingly human-like machines become sources of companionship, advice, and emotional support. She examines the potential threat these relationships pose to our capacity for attachment, empathy, and caring—and offers a path forward for preserving meaningful human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world.

As artificial intelligence rapidly becomes part of education, work, family life, and our everyday interactions, Turkle asks us to consider not only what AI can do, but who we become when we talk to machines.

This timely conversation will be especially relevant for educators, parents and caregivers, counselors, mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in how artificial intelligence is reshaping our relationships and society.

The in-person program will take place at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in Deerfield beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, and will include a Q&A session with the author.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Register now to secure your spot.

Venue and Parking Information:

There are parking lots on the north and east sides of the building. You can park anywhere, not only in visitor-designated spots.

Enter the building via the east entrance.

This is a state government building, and all visitors must present valid photo identification upon entry.

Take the elevator to the fourth floor, where an ISAC staff member will direct you to the event.