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July 26, 2026Journal for Cultural Research

Flipping friends: human–AI sociality in Ishiguro, McEwan, Disney’s Lightyear , and Alien: Romulus

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Authors

MPMarie-Elisabeth Lei Pihl

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Overview

Qualitative analysis examines social interactions with AI companions in literature and film, suggesting cultural implications.

Key Points

  • This article examines how humans relate to and interact with AI-powered companions in contemporary media. It seeks to highlight the social dynamics and cultural implications of these relationships.
  • Qualitative analysis of literary texts and films including works by Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan, Disney's Lightyear, and the Alien franchise.
  • Exploration of themes related to artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on social responses to AI companions.
  • AI companions evoke conflicting social responses in humans, described as 'flipping'.
  • The concept of uncanniness is employed to illustrate the unreliability of AI in cultural contexts.

Cite This Study

Marie-Elisabeth Lei Pihl (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a65a422d3aea3239cd76e6ehttps://doi.org/10.1080/14797585.2026.2703184
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Also Consider

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  5. 5AI Companions: The Blurring Line Between Connection and Deception2026