Is AI our friend? Or might it 'steal us' from our friends? Rethinking Connection, Health & Tech Dependency
Is AI just a tool—or is it becoming a stand-in for our friendships, health systems, and emotional needs?
In this episode, Nic Scholtysik sits down with global health researcher Jess Haney Lavelle to explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the way we think, feel, and connect. They dig into the emotional and ethical implications of conversational AI, the hidden costs of convenience, and how tech might be making us lonelier—even when it pretends to be our “friend.”
Expect big questions, honest doubts, and a critical lens on whether AI is serving us—or we’re serving it.
SHOW NOTES:
[03:22] The Myth of AI as a Replacement for Human Thinking
- Why believing AI can replace human thinking is a dangerous misconception.
[05:45] The Power of AI as a Thought Partner
- How can AI be used to enhance your thinking and feeling processes?
[08:10] The Pitfalls of Humanizing AI
- Why does treating AI like a human lead to over-reliance and missed opportunities?
[12:45] AI and Emotional Awareness: The Key to Authentic Work
- How can AI help you become more emotionally aware and authentic in your work?
[15:00] The Art of Letting AI Prompt You: A New Approach to Creativity
- What is the art of letting AI prompt you, and how can it enhance your creativity?
[19:45] The Future of Work: AI as a Collaborative Tool
- What does the future of work look like with AI as a collaborative tool?
[24:30] The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Connection
- How can AI enhance human connection and foster deeper relationships?
[29:00] AI and the Evolution of Leadership
- How is AI transforming the role of leadership in organizations?
[33:45] AI as a Catalyst for Personal Growth and Resilience
- How can AI serve as a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and self-improvement?
[38:15] Balancing AI and Human Interaction for Authentic Connections
- How can we balance the use of AI with human interaction to maintain authentic connections?
[42:45] The Ethical Considerations and Future of AI in Friendship and Collaboration
- What are the ethical considerations of using AI in friendships and professional relationships, and what does the future hold for AI and human collaboration?
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