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What are the emotional consequences of using AI too much?

In my opinion, using AI too much can make us miss it in real life, when we cannot change, delete, go back or give a proper answer, for example. So this can make us feel disappointed with ourselves when we feel that we do not reach the expected level. I also know that, sometimes, it is still difficult for some teachers to accept AI’s use, but it is something completely real nowadays, this is the reason why I consider this very important: the first step would be accepting it to continue working on what to do for a fair and productive use. On the other hand, depending on the use that people have, the others affected by it would feel sad, anxious or angry (talking in case of cyber-bullying or cyber-mobbing, but especially the first case because of the victim's age. At the same time, using AI a lot can make you get addicted to it, the same as using social media more than we must. From my point of view, exceeding the use of any technology is not good in the end. This is the reason why learning how and when to use it is very important for all of us, especially teachers who should help their students to understand the advantages, but also, the disadvantages of being users. The more we use it, the worse the feeling when we do not have access to that “reality”. At some point, maybe people could also feel embarrassed if they do not know what to say or how to start, continue or finish a conversation without asking the AI model.
Covadonga Lopez Alvarez, Denmark, AI Educator
For example, there is currently a topic that has been widely discussed in the media, which concerns the growing tendency to rely too heavily on artificial intelligence for personal or emotional matters. In other words, some people may begin to use AI as if it were a kind of “AI psychologist.” While this may seem convenient, it can become problematic if it starts to replace professional help or genuine human relationships. Relying too much on AI in this way could lead to a situation in which individuals neglect the importance of seeking guidance from trained professionals, which is essential for addressing complex emotional or psychological issues. Additionally, at a social level, the excessive use of AI can have an impact on how we interact with others. There is a real risk that some people might become overly dependent on this “artificial companionship,” which could lead them to reduce their real-life social interactions or make it more difficult for them to navigate everyday social situations. Over time, this dependence might hinder the development of important social skills, such as empathy, active listening, and effective communication. In the long run, such habits could subtly alter the way individuals build and maintain relationships, potentially affecting both personal and professional spheres of life.
Ayestaran Maialen, Spain, Student of Psychology, Enthusiast about AI
I recently attended a very interesting talk on this topic. AI can generate certain feelings that resemble human interactions, but in a rather superficial way. For example, in the study they discussed, some people reported feeling understood by artificial intelligence. And, to some extent, that is true: AI can create a sense of companionship or of being “listened to.” However, the depth of a real interpersonal relationship cannot be replicated. Feeling understood by another person involves a much richer and more complex emotional connection—something that AI simply cannot provide. Human relationships are shaped by shared experiences, genuine empathy, and emotional reciprocity, all of which go far beyond patterned or simulated responses. So, I think that emotionally, AI can be useful in generating a sense of support, especially in moments of loneliness or when someone needs a space to express themselves. But it does not replace the richness and authenticity of human relationships. In a way, it is like a superficial echo of what real interactions offer—helpful at times, but ultimately limited in depth and meaning.
Xavi, Spain, student in Psychology, AI Enthusiast
The frequent and intensive use of AI can have various emotional consequences – both positive and negative. However, as usage ramps up, certain challenges can intensify. One possible effect is an increasing dependency. If you get used to using AI for many tasks immediately – be it for ideas, decisions or problem solving – your confidence in your own abilities can decrease. This can lead to uncertainty: You begin to doubt whether you can still manage tasks independently, without support. Another aspect is the reduction of creativity and initiative. If AI regularly provides suggestions or facilitates decisions, people could make less effort to develop their own creative solutions. In the long run, this can lead to a feeling of passivity or even boredom. There can also be emotional effects: Some people report a certain distance from real social interactions when they spend a lot of time with digital systems. While conversations with AI are helpful, they are no substitute for real interpersonal relationships. As a result, a feeling of isolation can creep in when contact with other people decreases. Another point is the overload of information. AI can deliver a lot of content quickly, which sometimes makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed, especially when trying to absorb everything or implement it perfectly. Nevertheless, these consequences do not necessarily have to occur. A conscious and balanced approach to AI is crucial. When you use AI as a support, rather than a substitute for your own thinking and real interaction, you can enjoy the benefits without adding to the emotional downsides.
Dr. Bettina Hiller, project manager, Austria, AI Enthusiast
Artificial intelligence is not an emotional risk in itself, but yes, it changes our relationship to performance, thinking and autonomy. It is not the use that is decisive, but whether you remain a creator or become a consumer. The decisive factor is therefore how it is used. A healthy approach is when AI: ✓ gives us impulses ✓ provides structures ✓ provides feedback ✓ provides food for thought It becomes problematic when AI: ✓ replaces our thinking ✓ takes decisions away from us ✓ simulates emotional closeness ✓ completely takes over self-reflection If you use artificial intelligence for everything – for ideas, formulations, decisions – it can certainly lead to a kind of mental complacency. Without AI, you become insecure, you feel that you are no longer able to think as well as you used to, or you want to avoid mental effort altogether. In such cases, you may gradually lose your self-confidence, which can have a negative long-term effect on your motivation to achieve. It should also be noted that AI cannot replace interpersonal resonance. If emotional issues are primarily reflected upon with AI, this can lead to a social shift, meaning that fewer genuine conversations are held and feedback is sought from machines rather than people. Despite all this, I would like to point out that there are also positive effects. When used correctly and responsibly, AI can: ✓ Reduce stress ✓ Overcome writer's block ✓ Provide security ✓ Promote creativity ✓ Reduce learning frustration, and so on Many users even experience an increased sense of competence when they use AI strategically.
Christian Steinacher, IT-consultant and entrepreneur, Austria, AI Expert
One important consequence of excessive reliance on AI is growing dependency. When tasks become heavily automated and a familiar AI tool suddenly becomes unavailable, workflows can quickly grind to a halt. The more work is delegated to AI, the more significant the impact of any disruption or outage. There is also the risk of becoming intellectually complacent. Relying on AI for every small task would be problematic, even though it can be highly tempting because thinking and problem-solving require effort. Early research already suggests that uncritical or excessive use of AI may have negative effects on certain cognitive abilities. This makes it all the more important to promote a conscious and balanced approach to AI—using it as a tool rather than as a cure-all or a permanent ghostwriter. I view the frequently discussed issue of loneliness somewhat more nuancedly. I do not believe AI can replace genuine human relationships. However, it can become a new source of support and trust, filling certain gaps when people feel uncomfortable discussing specific topics with friends or family. In areas such as elderly care, for example, I see considerable potential, as AI can listen patiently and respond consistently in situations where human time and resources are limited. This does not replace meaningful human contact, but it may help alleviate existing gaps in support. At the same time, these developments raise important questions about privacy, data protection, and the handling of sensitive information. Overall, we are living in a highly dynamic and disruptive period of technological change. Particularly in education, it is essential neither to overstate nor to downplay the role of AI, but rather to communicate its opportunities and limitations in a realistic, responsible, and informed way.
Christian Vogel, teacher, Germany, AI Expert and Enthusiast
With the growing use of AI comes the risk of a gradual detachment from reality and a decline in critical thinking. Often, the answers provided by these systems are accepted without sufficient verification or consideration of the specific context, which can lead to distorted perceptions and decisions that are not always appropriate. There is also a trend toward increasingly frequent consultation of artificial intelligence on a variety of topics, which in some cases replaces the search for human opinion and limits social interactions with one’s immediate circle. This raises questions about the balance between technology and face-to-face communication, as well as the role of trust in digital sources. The effects are particularly pronounced in the educational environment, where the use of AI as a tool that “writes for the student” creates conditions for unrealistic academic results. This, in turn, can lead to gaps in the acquisition of basic knowledge and the formation of inaccurate self-assessment, which poses additional challenges for educational systems and educators.
Radost Radanova, Bulgaria, AI Educator
In my opinion, excessive use of AI can have significant emotional consequences for people—and not just for them. First, excessive communication with artificial intelligence and the formation of an emotional bond with it can, for some people, cross healthy boundaries and escalate. For introverted people, as well as those with social anxiety or other mental health conditions, this communication might feel “safer”—there’s no fear of rejection or ghosting—which could lead to social isolation, loneliness, and more severe mental health issues. Another problem I observe is the overly frequent reliance on artificial intelligence for all sorts of minor daily questions. Once this habit is formed, a person loses confidence in their own reasoning and thinking, relying entirely on AI to solve their problems and provide an instant answer. Over time, this can lead to a person’s inability to cope on their own with even the smallest obstacles of daily life.
Nikolai Dimitrov, Bulgaria, AI Enthusiast
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