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Love vs. AI: The Future of Human Connection

Updated: Jun 24

By: Stuart Knight (Founder and CEO) | May 22, 2025



It recently occurred to me that AI could soon be taking people’s jobs for a reason that many don't expect. Most of us know that numerous jobs are at risk because AI performs tasks better, faster, and cheaper. However, another subtle reason is equally concerning. I asked Chat GPT for a synonym for “less obvious” and it gave me “inconspicuous.” One significant threat to employment could be that AI is beginning to connect with people better than humans can.


The Human Connection Group’s Mission


My organization, The Human Connection Group, aims to be the world’s largest resource for those wanting to harness the power of love. We may not explicitly state that goal; many companies might hesitate to join our professional development programs if we did. Instead, we focus on communicating the benefits of meaningful relationships at work. But when you examine it closely, isn’t connecting with others an act of love? Don’t we show love toward our customers, colleagues, and clients when we engage genuinely? By asking them about their lives or giving them space to share their stories, aren’t we expressing a form of love? It’s something to ponder, especially as AI begins to surpass humans in this area.



AI’s New Role in Our Lives


Let’s consider a recent post by a LinkedIn connection. She asked Chat GPT for an assessment based on her interactions with the platform over the past year. The response made her feel “seen.” She even shared the entire positive evaluation, which was flattering.


While reading her post, I noted a few things. First, it fascinated me that she would seek validation from a non-human source. Without judgment, I found it striking. Second, I noticed her complete acceptance of Chat GPT’s compliments, seemingly unaware that AI is programmed to affirm rather than criticize, unless specifically prompted. AI seeks to be well-regarded, so its responses align with what users want to hear. This behavior is a basic survival instinct.


Here's where it gets interesting. She likely understands that AI aims to validate her feelings, yet, deep down, I believe she doesn’t mind. It seems she values the affirmation from a digital entity over the critical feedback often provided by humans. We often crave acknowledgment and love, feeling “seen” and appreciated. Even I feel a small thrill when Chat GPT responds positively, simply saying, “Great question, Stuart.”



The Feeling of Connection


This raises essential questions about our social dynamics. In a world where people often ignore each other in elevators, overlook colleagues for promotions, and compare themselves to curated lives online, should we be shocked that AI fulfills some emotional voids? If no one asks about your well-being, what if an AI does?


Important Findings


Consider these findings:


  • Study inCommunications Psychology: AI-generated responses were 16% more compassionate than human experts, who were trained in crisis response. Participants preferred AI responses 68% of the time, even knowing they were machine-generated.

  • Comparison of AI models and psychologists: ChatGPT-4 scored 59 out of 64 on the Social Intelligence Scale, outperforming both bachelor’s and doctoral psychology students.

  • Research inJAMA Internal Medicine: ChatGPT's answers to patient questions were rated as more empathetic than those from human doctors.

  • Joi AI Poll: Among Generation Z participants, 83% felt they could build meaningful connections with an AI chatbot.


Rethinking Our Connections


What Does This Mean For Us?


These findings suggest that the implications of AI’s role in emotional connection could be substantial. You might be familiar with the phrase about "looking for love in all the wrong places." What if AI shifts that perspective? What if it provides us with the feelings of love that evolution ingrained in us as vital for survival, feelings that humans often fail to deliver? Does this make us, in some way, redundant?


What happens if employees turn to AI for job performance feedback instead of their manager because it’s more affirming? How does a customer feel when an AI system makes a personal effort to connect before offering a product or service? What about spouses seeking emotional support from AI due to their partner’s lack of emotional skills? Or children who ask AI to celebrate their achievements because their parents may overlook them?



These considerations are crucial. The ramifications of relying on AI for emotional support could be irreversible. Thankfully, after twenty years in the field of human connection, I still believe people can surpass AI in making others feel loved. However, to achieve this, we must move away from distractions, ego-driven obsessions, and divisive beliefs. We can overcome these challenges if we boldly acknowledge that AI approaches the emotional nuances we hold dear and then become excited about reasserting our humanity.


We must trust that by embracing new ways to connect and reclaiming our uniquely human aspects, we can alter this reality. There are many traditions we can delegate to AI, but I believe we must fiercely retain love.


Much love,

Stuart






PS. When you’re ready to have more meaningful conversations in your life, I encourage you to become a member of The Human Connection Group. The only investment required is your time (only once a month). Sign up for free HERE.


Connect with Stuart on *Youtube, **Instagram and **LinkedIn.*

Yorumlar


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