Not long ago, artificial intelligence (AI) felt like science fiction. Today, it is quietly woven into our daily lives, recommending what we watch, finishing our emails, and even assisting students with homework. For young people, AI is not a futuristic concept; it is simply part of the world they are growing up in.
This raises a critical question: what happens to emotional intelligence when so much of life is mediated through technology?
AI can analyze, calculate, and respond with impressive speed. It can even “mimic” empathy with a well-timed phrase. But AI cannot feel. And feelings are at the core of what makes us human. Emotional intelligence (EQ), the ability to recognize emotions, understand their meaning, and respond with empathy, is a skill that cannot be outsourced, no matter how advanced technology becomes.
For young people, the rise of AI presents both challenges and opportunities. Constant access to instant answers may tempt them to avoid the discomfort of trial, error, and real human interaction. Yet AI also frees time for what truly matters: connecting, collaborating, and caring. When machines manage rote tasks, the next generation has more bandwidth to develop the unique human skills that drive leadership, innovation, and community impact.
The real question is not whether AI will shape the future; it already has. The question is whether we, as parents, educators, and business leaders, will guide young people to strengthen their emotional muscles in a world where technology does so much of the heavy lifting. Are we encouraging reflection, active listening, and resilience? Are we teaching them to see others not as problems to solve, but as people to understand?
The next generation will grow up alongside AI, but EQ will remain their competitive advantage. Those who balance technological efficiency with emotional wisdom will thrive in ways we cannot yet imagine.
The challenge for us is clear: in a world driven by data and algorithms, we must remind young people, and ourselves, that being human will always matter most.
Reflection for leaders:
Consider how AI is shaping your own communication, collaboration, and empathy. How might intentional practice of emotional intelligence in a digital world improve your relationships, your teams, and the communities you serve?
Warmly,
Elizabeth A. Reedy
CEO