Are we losing human connections to AI? When AI first emerged, as a writer, I refused to acknowledge its existence. Then, while attending a tech conference as a speaker in Orlando, one of the participants I was speaking to shared some insightful tips for how to use AI as a tool in a safe way. Since then, I have used it to create book signing tours, compile a list of podcasts where I could be a guest, and plan my birthday celebration later this month in London. It is a great tool that I have grown to appreciate, and I have noticed that some people use it to discuss more personal topics.

 They discuss their feelings, emotions, and even conflicts with AI. I even know many people who name their AI tool. I don’t blame them, as I can see the benefits of AI. It is a master of mimicking Active Listening. It always starts by repeating back the question you asked, and then it validates your feelings. The user then feels seen, heard, and validated. Because it is available 24/7 and offers non-judgmental responses, it creates a sense of safety, allowing people to return to it repeatedly to explore their emotions and situations. If we are not careful, we can lose touch with our human connections.

While AI does have significant benefits, when it comes down to compassion and empathy, it can only imitate human behavior and create a false sense of connection. Human connection is vital to our mental, emotional, and physical health. When working with organizations to curate healthy cultures that thrive from authentic communication, in my Uncomfortable Conversations course, I teach the “10 Guidelines to Authentic Conversations.” The reason I recognize why AI makes people feel valued, seen, and heard is that it utilizes authentic communication tools.

The first guideline is to be present, which AI offers because it can only respond to the information you provide. It also lacks the capacity to be emotional, so it remains in a neutral state. The second guideline is Active Listening, which is where AI conversationally repeats back exactly what you told it, leaving the user feeling seen, heard, and validated. Think about it, when was the last time you truly felt all of that when speaking with a human?

Some of the other guidelines I teach within this program help create a safe and non-judgmental space to foster authentic connections. AI creates the illusion of this space but lacks the human connection that is vital for our survival.

As humans, we tend to avoid engaging in things that make us uncomfortable, especially when it comes to having Uncomfortable Conversations. That’s why it feels easier to talk with AI. But talking with AI instead of another human can rob us of “The sacred discomfort of being really seen.” I tell my clients that the more uncomfortable they are, the more excited I get! I know that on the other side of that discomfort lies a breakthrough that will set them free and create deeper, more meaningful connections if we are willing to embrace the discomfort.

Recently, one of my clients used the “10 Guidelines to Authentic Conversations” during their leadership meeting and enthusiastically shared with me how it did not just create one solution, but two, within their meeting. When we are willing to embrace the uncomfortable, both personally and professionally, it can reap great rewards, not just for the person who initiated the conversation but for everyone involved.

While AI is an excellent tool, it cannot replace human connection. I have always said, “We are one conversation away from compassion; we just have to be willing to be present, non-judgmental, and listen to hear.” How can you embrace Uncomfortable Conversations to foster deeper human connections and cultivate relationships that thrive from authentic conversations in and outside of the workplace?