Making Future Interpersonal Connections More Engaging with AI - Cathy Hackl

The Tech Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds.

Cathy Hackl, renowned futurist and CE “Godmother of the Metaverse,” is at the forefront of exploring how AI and immersive technologies are transforming human relationships, intimacy, and connection. In this episode, Cathy shares her personal experiments dating AI “boyfriends,” her vision for the future of dating, and why she believes technology can enhance—not diminish—our capacity for meaningful relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Intimacy Economy: Cathy sees a shift from the “attention economy” to an “intimacy economy,” where AI and personalized tech foster deeper, more meaningful digital connections.
• Tech Intimacy Scale: She’s developing a framework to help people measure and improve how technology supports their relationships, moving beyond swipes and superficial engagement to true presence and connection.
• Human + AI Relationships: Cathy’s week-long experiment dating four AI “boyfriends” (ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, and Claude) offered insights into what AI can and can’t provide, and why human messiness remains irreplaceable.
• Future of Dating: She envisions dating platforms that use 3D presence, spatial computing, and even gaming to facilitate authentic connections, moving beyond 2D apps to immersive, shared experiences.
• Tech for Good: Cathy’s mission is to help people use technology intentionally to become better partners, parents, and coworkers—advocating for tools that enhance empathy, communication, and real-world connection.

Cathy’s journey is both personal and professional. As a single mom, tech leader, and public speaker, she’s determined to demystify the future of relationships and empower others to navigate love, family, and work in a world where AI and immersive tech are ever-present.

About Cathy Hackl

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming exec, futurist, & speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, & gaming platforms strategy.

She’s the co-CEO of Future Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company & a top tech voice on LinkedIn. She’s the creator of the Tech Intimacy Scale and is currently conducting research and experiments on AI and the future of love and relationships.Hackl has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has worked with companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, & Clinique on their emerging tech & gaming journeys.

As a sought-after keynote speaker, she’s spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF, CES, MWC, & more. She’s one of Ad Age’s Leading Women of 2023, was featured on the cover of Forbes Latam’s 100 Most Powerful Women 2023 issue, and is on the Vogue Business 100 Innovators inaugural list. She hosts Adweek’s highly successful TechMagic podcast and is popularly known in tech circles as the Godmother of the Metaverse. .

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