There is a great deal of enthusiasm, amazement, and even terror surrounding the advancement of artificial intelligence. Technology has enabled people to perform things that would have appeared unthinkable a century ago, or even just ten years ago. Ask any smartphone user about the numerous ways in which technology has enhanced our lives. However, technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is a two-edged sword. Are we at risk of losing human interaction, and thus our empathy and emotional intelligence, as artificial intelligence takes over numerous human roles? Is it feasible to cohabit with artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence?

Artificial intelligence’s benefits and drawbacks

The benefits of artificial intelligence are similar to those of any other technology in that it solves a problem or completes a task better, faster, and more efficiently. This is fantastic news for customers, who will be able to enjoy lower pricing or higher quality goods created by machines. Many people, on the other hand, are concerned that it would eliminate jobs. Technology and artificial intelligence have already replaced vocations that do not require a high level of thinking, and with AI’s capabilities developing daily, likely, technology will someday be able to perform jobs that demand critical thinking skills. And a robot will be able to do these jobs faster than a person without getting weary or compensated.

Artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is one thing that artificial intelligence cannot learn or reproduce. Robots could be taught to interact with people pleasantly or to respond to facial expressions and other social cues. But robots will never have that unique quality that distinguishes us as humans. They will never have a heart or a soul, and they will never be able to feel empathy for others. This is alarming when you consider the consequences for the future, especially if robots outperform their creators in intelligence and capacity. However, it is reassuring to recognize that your emotional intelligence makes you a valued asset at work in ways that artificial intelligence cannot copy or replace.

What can we do to improve our emotional intelligence?

At a time when technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming more prevalent in the workplace, we must make conscious efforts to maintain our humanity. We fear losing our ability to connect with others if we live in a future where AI is accepted and mixed in with human labor. There are numerous ways to actively increase your emotional intelligence, including the use of technology! Virtual reality, for example, allows users to see the world from a different angle or perspective. But you don’t need augmented reality to exercise emotional intelligence. You can improve your empathy by seeing yourself in the shoes of someone else. Consider what your coworker’s life is like and what they may be going through if they are causing you stress. It may be easier for you to let go of whatever is bugging you and continue working with that person.

Artificial intelligence may eventually outperform human intelligence, but it will never be able to reproduce or replace emotional intelligence. We must actively work to maintain and increase our emotional intelligence in an ever-changing environment with new technology advances every day. We lose our ability to connect with others when we lose the ability that makes humans innately superior to artificial intelligence.