AI Can’t Replace (and might harm) Human Connection and Empowerment
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a popular tool in almost every industry, including mental health and wellness. While AI offers efficiency, in mental health, it risks robbing us of the essential human experiences that make us feel connected, empowered, purposeful, and part of a community. It's crucial to recognize the limitations of even AI-augmented human interactions in fostering the deep, authentic connections that are central to mental health.
When someone seeks help, especially in a vulnerable moment, the trust they place in their counselor is profound. The introduction of AI into that interaction—whether disclosed or not—can have significant emotional and ethical consequences.
One of the most important aspects of mental health is feeling seen, heard, and understood. AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate the emotional depth and nuance of a conversation with another human being. If a person seeking help learns that their counselor is pulling responses from AI, it can feel transactional rather than genuine. They might question whether the advice or empathy they’re receiving comes from real understanding or a pre-generated script. This realization could undermine the sense of safety and trust, leaving the person feeling less seen and valued. Seeking help is often about being heard and understood by another human being, not receiving an automated solution (even if it is delivered by a human). Instead of feeling deeply personal, it could come across as something the counselor is saying because the AI suggested it, not because they genuinely connected with your experience. If the person feels the counselor is overly reliant on AI or unable to engage authentically, it can weaken the therapeutic bond—arguably the most critical factor in effective counseling.
What about not disclosing?
If a counselor uses AI without disclosing it, this creates a lack of transparency that can breach trust. Ethical guidelines in counseling emphasize honesty and informed consent, and failing to disclose the use of AI could violate these principles. The person seeking help has a right to know how their counselor is generating responses. Without this knowledge, they can’t make an informed decision about whether the approach aligns with their needs and values.
People seek help not just for advice but for the emotional connection that comes from being heard by another person. Once someone doubts the authenticity of their counselor’s responses, the relationship is hard to repair.
AI Robs us of Sense of Purpose and Efficacy
Humans find deep fulfillment in helping others. It gives us a sense of purpose and reinforces our connection to the world around us, both of which are starkly lacking.
When members of a community share advice, offer support, or simply listen, they create a cycle of giving and receiving that benefits everyone involved. AI eliminates this dynamic. By positioning itself as the “helper,” AI removes opportunities for people to step into supportive roles, leaving them passive and disengaged. Even counselors who use AI as a tool will feel less capable, less confident in their own abilities to be genuinely helpful to another. I often use the metaphor: being lonely and turning to social media for connection is like being dehydrated, and turning to alcohol to quench thirst. I believe that AI will do the same for personal growth and a sense of agency, not only among help seekers, but also (and especially) among help givers.
AI’s ability to provide quick answers may seem helpful, but it comes with a hidden cost: it discourages self-reliance, self-confidence, agency, and robs opportunities for much needed sense of purpose and mutual growth.
Searching for answers builds resilience. When we (or counselors) actively participate in problem-solving, the process is important; it fosters independence and critical thinking. Outsourcing this to AI actually robs both sides of the counseling relationship from the healing power of critical thinking, problem solving, and building a sense of agency and confidence.
I believe we already, as societies, have been trained to think that we can not solve our own problems, can not learn to use coping skills, and must seek professional help for all aspects of life challenges. This has led us to a drastic, global workforce shortage. And, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the vast majority of problems can be solved without professional assistance. This professionalism of mental health and wellness is disempowering, and may actually do more harm to those who already are struggling with self-doubt. AI takes this even further, getting us, as a society, even further from believing that we have the capacity for change or growth independent of outside sources.
Instead of leaning on AI as a crutch, we need to embrace systems that encourage individuals to take charge of their journey. A healthy community thrives on collaboration, where people come together to share resources, ideas, and experiences. Collaboration builds trust, purpose, and a sense of belonging—qualities that AI simply cannot replicate. AI is a useful aid in some contexts—particularly for administrative tasks, analytics, or triaging—but when it comes to creating meaningful, lasting impact, nothing compares to the power of human connection, empowerment, and collaboration.
Let’s not allow technology to take away the very things that make us human. Instead, let’s embrace systems that amplify our ability to connect, empower, and build thriving communities.
