Exploring Emotional Interactions with AI

As part of the Journalist-in-Residence program, journalists are given full access to research their own topics related to intelligent systems. The goal is for participants to explore their own journalistic questions in depth and develop new perspectives on the societal impact of AI. The program is jointly organized by the Center for Rhetorical Science Communication on Artificial Intelligence (RHET AI) and Cyber Valley GmbH. It is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.

For the 2025 JIR program, Christoph will investigate how emotional interactions with AI are reshaping human-machine relationships and what role AI systems could play in our emotional lives in the future. From acting as friends and attentive listeners to supportive psychotherapists and even romantic partners, the possibilities are vast and intriguing. Christoph will address critical questions about the authenticity, dependency, and ethical implications of these interactions.

“Machines can already play chess, Go, and Jeopardy better than we can, and they’re better at detecting skin cancer, pneumonia, and heart rhythm disorders. Will they soon also become better listeners, advisors, and confidants? And what will that mean for us as humans? That’s what I want to find out,” says Christoph about his motivation to join the program. 

Christoph is a freelance journalist and non-fiction author. He studied communications, sociology, and political science in Münster and Ohio. A columnist and tech reporter for the business magazine brand eins, he also writes for SZ-Magazin, Die ZEIT, GEO, and other leading German outlets. His work has won several awards, and his books, including the SPIEGEL bestseller “Ich bin dann mal offline”, explore technology’s impact on life and society.

During his three-month residency, Christoph will network with AI researchers, investigate current AI applications, and reflect on journalism’s role in conveying these complex developments to the public. His findings will contribute to a more informed and nuanced public debate on the ethical and societal implications of emotional AI.

About Cyber Valley Journalist-In-Residence

The Cyber Valley Journalist-in-Residence Program offers up to two journalists the opportunity to explore their own questions about artificial intelligence during a three-to-six-month residency at Cyber Valley. The focus is on how AI applications can be used effectively in journalism and how evidence-based, differentiated reporting on the technologies behind the term “artificial intelligence” can be ensured. The selected journalists are chosen by an independent jury and work completely freely during their stay, with no restrictions on content. Cyber Valley expressly does not expect any reporting on AI topics or about Cyber Valley. Instead, the focus is on open exchange with researchers from various disciplines. The program takes place twice a year and promotes critical dialogue between science and the media, with the aim of opening up new perspectives on the social implications of AI.