Ep54 Slavebots

NET Society

The Net Society crew returns to unpack the strange evolution of human AI relationships, from “slave bots” to sidekicks, companions, and schizophrenic mirrors of the self. Derek explores Sandbar and the search for the perfect AI form factor, Chris zooms out to spatial intelligence as the real unlock, and Pri probes whether emotional companionship with machines is healthy or inevitable. The group then turns to a16z’s growing media empire, the reality of building through a crypto winter, and the politics of AI power, before closing on the ideological chaos of New York’s new “vibe governance.”

Mentioned in the episode

Sandbar AI ring https://www.sandbar.com/

Falling in love with AI article https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/05/magazine/ai-chatbot-marriage-love-romance-sex.html

A16z new media https://x.com/liangsays/status/1986502829499162751?s=46&t=3cJ-BS7Y1NeBdjntkS2hZQ

Show & Hosts

Net Society: https://x.com/net__society

Aaron Wright: https://x.com/awrigh01

Chris F: https://x.com/ChrisF_0x

Derek Edwards: https://x.com/derekedws

Priyanka Desai: https://x.com/pridesai

Production & Marketing

Editor: https://x.com/0xFnkl

Social: https://x.com/v_kirra

• (00:00) - AI Slave Bots and Sentience
• (02:22) - Sandbar and the Search for the Right Form Factor
• (08:25) - Spatial Intelligence and the Next Operating System
• (10:35) - AI Companions and the Human Sidekick
• (16:22) - A16z and the New Media Power Play
• (26:14) - Building Through the Crypto Winter
• (36:38) - OpenAI, Regulation, and the Politics of Power
• (47:03) - New York, Vibes, and the Death of Governance
• (01:08:30) - Welcome & Disclaimer