This was disturbing. A recent New York Times article shared the story of Dr. Jonathan Reisman, an emergency room doctor, who made a surprising realization: ChatGPT’s bedside communications were more empathetic than his own.

Yes, you read that right - AI was perceived as more compassionate than a human doctor, especially when delivering difficult news like a serious diagnosis or end-of-life care.

The idea that a machine could be perceived as more compassionate than a human might seem absurd.

But it reveals something deeper- a growing tension where AI is stepping in to fill the emotional gaps left by humans who are no longer present for each other.

And it’s not just doctors. It’s about all of us, you and me, trying to stay human in an increasingly AI-powered world.

Whether giving an honest performance review to a colleague, ending a business relationship, or delivering bad news to a client, we often rely on scripts we’ve written out to prepare for those tough moments.

Now, AI can automate even those - producing messages that sound polished but may feel hollow.

In these moments, are we losing the authentic connection that only a human can bring?

Why This Matters to Us

Empathy is our ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s critical to our success, well-being, and sense of purpose in life. It makes our human connections unique, deeply personal, and meaningful.

As AI takes over more tasks we once thought only humans could do - writing, showing compassion, even providing companionship - it begs the question:

Are we outsourcing our empathy to machines?

If AI can simulate empathy, what does that mean for genuine human connection? More importantly, how do we strengthen our emotional intelligence to remain impactful in deeply intimate and personal moments that matter?

Pros of using AI for Empathy

1. Relieving Emotional Overload:
Many professionals - especially in high-emotionally charged roles - face burnout. AI can help by handling repetitive emotional tasks, such as drafting empathetic messages, saving time and mental energy for more personal interactions.

2. Consistent Communication:
AI doesn’t call in sick or take off for vacation. It can generate thoughtful, well-structured responses even when we’re drained. This ensures that we maintain a high level of communication, especially during busy or stressful periods.

3. A Learning Tool:
We can fine-tune our communication by observing AI’s empathetic responses. Subtle language shifts can make people feel valued and understood, helping us improve our interpersonal skills.

Cons of using AI for Empathy

1. Emptiness in AI Communication:
AI may simulate empathy, but it lacks true understanding. There’s a certain hollowness in its responses - AI doesn’t feel what we feel --- and frankly, it doesn’t care about us. Genuine empathy requires emotional presence and shared experiences that machines cannot replicate.

2. Erosion of the Human Touch:
Relying too heavily on AI for emotionally charged conversations risks stripping away the essence of real connection. Empathy is not just about saying the right words; it’s about being present, listening actively, and showing true emotional investment.

3. AI as a Shortcut:
When we turn to AI for emotionally difficult conversations, are we doing it for efficiency, or are we avoiding the discomfort of being fully present? Over-reliance on AI can diminish the very traits that set us apart from all other species on the planet - our ability to think critically and deeply engage with others.

Why Some of Us Get This Wrong

It’s easy to think that AI might replace empathy, but that misses the point. AI can mimic caring words, but there’s a certain emptiness behind them. What AI offers reflects our best communication strategies. However, it lacks the deeper human elements that give these strategies a unique, animated soul.

The real challenge is embracing AI’s efficiency while deepening our human empathy. AI should assist us, not replace our emotional intelligence. The key is preserving the genuine human connection in our human relationships.

Steps We Can Take Now

1. Use AI for Routine Tasks, Not Emotion-Sensitive Moments
Let AI handle routine communication - appointment confirmations, FAQs, or updates. But when human connection is required, let’s exercise our empathy muscles and fully show up with vulnerability - warts and all.

2. Learn From AI, But Don’t Rely on It
AI can help us communicate better, but let’s not let it become a crutch. Use AI’s strengths to reflect on how we can improve, but let’s always continue refining our own communication skills.

3. Double Down on Being Present
Genuine empathy cannot be automated. It’s our presence, attentiveness, and genuine care that makes us irreplaceable in difficult conversations and, frankly, in all our human-to-human interactions.

Brain Boost: What Is Automation Bias?

It’s the tendency to over-rely on AI-generated content, even when it contradicts our judgment. Awareness of this bias helps us balance AI’s benefits while staying engaged in situations requiring genuine human empathy.

You Decide: Where Do We Draw the Line?

As AI evolves, where do we draw the line between efficiency and authentic connection? Should AI take on more emotional tasks if it helps us get more done? Or should we be more cautious, guarding the human connection that makes us unique? 

Share and let us know your thoughts. Or if there’s any AI ethics topic you want us to cover, let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

Till then, keep learning and keep mastering AI 4 Good!

Warmly,

Josephine and the Skills4Good AI Team

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