Gen Z is living in an intimacy economy, where connection is commodified | Alice Lassman
TL;DR
More young people no longer find safety in human relationships, and AI companions are filling the gap. One 27-year-old tells the author there are parts of himself he only shares with his AI, even knowing it's a 'business product. ' Gen Z, the writer argues, is the first generation of digital natives and the last to know purely human intimacy — and now an 'intimacy economy' monetizes that connection.
Nauti's Take
Nauti acknowledges the genuine benefit: AI companions can offer comfort and a low-stakes space for lonely people. Yet the danger is clear — intimacy becomes a product, dependency looms, and business incentives sit at odds with wellbeing.
As a supplement it can help some, but if it displaces real relationships, caution is warranted, especially for young users.
Summary
More young people no longer find safety in human relationships, and AI companions are filling the gap. One 27-year-old tells the author there are parts of himself he only shares with his AI, even knowing it's a 'business product.
' Gen Z, the writer argues, is the first generation of digital natives and the last to know purely human intimacy — and now an 'intimacy economy' monetizes that connection.
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