Generative AI, Smart Replies, and Social Development
Receiving a handwritten card still holds a unique power. It shows someone took the time to think of you and invested effort in the message. When I send “Thank You” cards, I use my grandfather’s 1939 fountain pen to handwrite each note. This act sends a clear message: you matter enough for me to slow down and communicate intentionally.
Contrast this with today’s fast-paced digital exchanges, often reduced to brief texts or abbreviations. Communication is speeding up, and automation is becoming common. Automatic email responses—like out-of-office replies—can be helpful. But instant rejection emails from HR, generated by algorithms moments after submitting an application, feel impersonal and cold. They lack the human touch, leaving candidates frustrated.
The Impact of AI-Generated Smart Replies on Relationships
A study from Cornell University examined how AI-generated short messages affect relationships. Participants used smart replies about 14% of the time, which increased messaging frequency by over 10%. While this made conversations more efficient, if the receiver suspected AI was behind the replies, it harmed the relationship. The sender appeared less cooperative, less connected, and more dominant.
The key issue is perception. If people believe AI is generating messages, mistrust grows—even when smart replies aren’t used. On the flip side, if AI-generated replies are used but the receiver doesn’t notice, the sender is seen as more positive and cooperative. This may be because AI tends to produce more upbeat language than everyday speech.
When both participants use AI-generated replies, positivity can build to an unrealistic level. This could create false expectations about real human interaction and affect social skills over time.
Risks of Excessive Generative AI Use in Communication
- Breeding mistrust: Belief that AI is involved can damage trust and weaken bonds.
- Unrealistic expectations: AI’s positive tone might prevent people from developing genuine social interaction skills.
Research from MIT adds another layer to this concern. Using EEG brain scans, they found that regular users of ChatGPT showed lower brain engagement during cognitive tasks compared to non-users. Over time, these users relied more heavily on AI, which raises questions about its effect on social and emotional development. Could this lead to social “apnea” — a kind of pause or deficit in natural social skills?
Why This Matters for Human Resources, IT, and Development Professionals
Effective communication is the foundation of trust and community in any organization. When AI changes how we connect, it affects not just individual relationships but the culture of entire workplaces. If generative AI creates barriers to empathy and understanding, it threatens the collaboration and cooperation essential for success.
There’s an ethical dimension to consider. As AI becomes more integrated into communication, how do we ensure it supports rather than undermines relational skills? Social acuity isn’t just a soft skill—it’s what makes teams work well and communities thrive.
Excessive reliance on AI may cause us to see each other less as unique individuals and more like impersonal data points. The result is a moral challenge: preserving what makes us human in an age of automated interaction.
Moving Forward
- Encourage mindful use of AI tools. Use automation to assist, not replace, genuine communication.
- Train teams on balancing efficiency with empathy in digital correspondence.
- Monitor how AI impacts organizational culture and employee engagement.
For professionals interested in improving their AI communication skills while maintaining human connection, exploring targeted AI courses can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical guidance on using AI tools effectively and ethically.
Your membership also unlocks:
