Artificial Intimacy: Sherry Turkle and AI

Tue September 29th Closed Sherry Turkle has spent decades studying how digital technologies isolate us from one another. Now, in her latest book, Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk To Machines, the psychologist who pioneered our understanding of human-computer relationships explores the seductive and beguiling nature of chatbots presented as “perfect” companions. How does their popularity point to existing wells of deep loneliness in our current culture, and how does increasing reliance on a one-sided digital ear affect users’ ability to maintain offscreen relationships with other humans? In conversation with cartoonist Amy Kurzweil, whose graphic novel Artificial: A Love Story suggests an alternate path in which AI isn’t used as a human connection substitute, but rather a tool to support and deepen the real-world relationships we already have. Seating for the talk is limited, RSVP recommended. Come early to check out the gallery exhibitions. Drinks, alcohol, and snacks available for purchase in the lobby. Litquake has been shaking the Bay Area literary scene since 1999, proudly presenting over 11,500 authors in front of nearly 300,000 attendees since our inception. With both an annual October festival and abundant year-round programming, Litquake aims to inspire public engagement with the key issues of the day by providing a vibrant forum for the Bay Area’s literary community. Because we believe in literature as a public good, we work to produce events that are accessible to all, with the majority of our programs offered at low or no cost to attend. YBCA programs are made possible in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Blue Shield Of California, Bob A. Ross Foundation, City and County of San Francisco, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Malia Simonds, Mayor Daniel Lurie, National Endowment for the Arts, Pisces Foundation, The Ron Conway Family, Salesforce, San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Svane Family Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, Yerba Buena Partnership, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Board of Directors and Members. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 7 PM Co-presented by Creativity Explored & YBCA Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 5–8 PM August 7, 2026–January 3, 2027 Co-Presented by GaHee Park, Michael Vass & YBCA Saturdays, August 15–October 31, 2026, 2 PM