As business leaders and employees grapple with learning to use AI and understanding its potential and pitfalls across industries, a recent study from the Harvard Business Review reveals that people are increasingly using AI as a substitute for human connection.
Marc Zao-Sanders’ article “How People Are Really Using AI in 2026” (1st June, 2026) reveals the Number 1 use is “Therapy/companionship” (which was also the Number 1 use in 2025). This is followed by:
🤡 “Fun and Nonsense” at #3 (up from #7 in 2025),
💔 “Relationship Advice” at #7 (up from #38 in 2025) and,
🤓 “Work Buddy” #8 (up from #43 in 2025).
The emerging pattern is that people are increasingly turning to AI for the kind of connection they would normally receive from another human.
And, this is happening at the exact moment that loneliness has become the most significant social crisis of our time.
We don’t think the people using AI in this way are doing something foolish. We think they’re doing something very human - reaching out for what is available when what they actually need feels like it is beyond their grasp.
The number of AI-driven wellness, coaching and mentoring tools has also increased sharply. Some offer helpful guidance or prompts. Others, have notifications that create the same anxious “always on” response for users that their overloaded email inboxes do.
But, here is what neither AI nor the apps can do:
- They cannot sense your mood. They can only respond to how you say you feel.
- They don’t see the cognitive dissonance between your speech and your body language.
- They cannot hold your gaze, or give you unspoken reassurance that what you are about to say next is ok to say out loud.
- They cannot sense your hurt underlying your anger, or
- Your fear underlying your bravado.
A human coach can – and they can do so much more.
In a world where our lives are dominated by screens, algorithms and automated responses, the human capacity to be genuinely present with another person is becoming more and more valuable.
Exponential Leadership works with leaders, teams and organisations to bring the human element into working and leading in an AI- and digital- world. We use our five-stage framework - Empathize, Energize, Empower, Evolve and Evaluate – to build leadership and team effectiveness that no algorithm generates: the capacity to navigate disruptive change whilst building engagement, trust and cultures where people thrive.
We offer a range of one-to-one and team coaching programs, as well as designing programs specifically for your organisation, your team and your challenges.
And sometimes we use AI in our work too (we will always let you know when). This post was not one of those times. This was written entirely by a human.
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