Studies are showing that AI can exceed humans in empathetic communication. But the more I hear industry praise the upsides of empathetic AI, the more I think we need to ruthlessly delineate between empathy and sycophancy.

Empathy is about sharing of another’s feelings to build connection. Sycophancy is self-serving fawning. AI can simulate the former, but is wired toward the latter. That has huge implications when it's combined with the business incentives to produce short-term upsides for consumers, not long-term wellbeing.

Chatted about this and more with John Bailey. For full video, check out AEI’s YouTube channel here: