Three Pillars of AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness
- Dr. Mark Lerner
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Preserving Humanity in Our AI World
By Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Principal Consultant and Creator, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness
Today, we’re seeing the infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—the development and use of machines that think like people—in nearly every aspect of our lives. AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW), the intersection of AI and human emotion, aims to address fundamental human needs that must not be overlooked in our rapidly evolving technological world.
The following are three pillars upon which AIEW rests—each responding to essential emotional needs.
I: Grounding in Reality
AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) can help us stay grounded with a reality-based understanding of our experiences. It can provide accessible evidence-based strategies and tools to support and guide us through challenging times.
An alcoholic recently messaged me, “You’re not as smart as you think… nor will we be intimidated by the likes of a small, cowardly man like you.” This statement was precipitated by my repeated request for documentation of a simple fact concerning a pressslegal matter—specifically requested by counsel.
Grounded by AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW), I responded ethically and responsibly, rather than with similar impulsive, immature emotional reactivity: “I will not engage in further ad hominem attacks or intimidation.” As I learned long ago, when an individual’s argument lacks substance, evidence, and—most importantly—the truth, some ill-equipped people abandon reason altogether and attack the person.
When designed correctly, AI can be a stabilizing, grounding force that helps people slow down, separate facts from feelings, and get a new perspective. This grounding function is especially important in today’s zeitgeist, where there’s a lot of false information, division, and digital spaces—including, but not limited to, social media and news platforms—that are vying to control people's emotions.
AIEW does not enable distortion; it supports clarity, coherence, emotional integrity, and mental health by grounding people in reality.
II. Irreplaceable Human Presence
While AI provides strategies and tools to help us manage “people problems,” it will never replace the presence of another human being. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that humans are social beings and that people need people to navigate and overcome challenges in their lives. As Barbra Streisand sang in the 1964 musical Funny Girl, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”
As I have repeatedly written, AI can’t
• Look at you with eyes filled with compassion.
• Hold your hand as your eyes pool with tears.
• Embrace you while you’re crying.
• Convey warmth through presence—without saying a word.
• Sit beside you and softly say, “I’m here for you.”
AI provides an immediate, accessible adjunct to mental health care by offering evidence-based strategies and tools to help us manage the challenges of daily living—and crises, too. For example, ask Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, or another platform: “What should I do if I’m feeling discomfort in my abdomen?”
Being immediately informed that drinking clear fluids is an evidence-based, responsible initial recommendation. However, persistent discomfort or pain may signal a condition requiring further evaluation. And of even greater importance is that this recognition involves engaging people, such as a healthcare provider who can identify the etiology, or cause, of one’s ongoing discomfort and appropriately address it. Here rests a critical point: we must understand the ethical and responsible limitations of relying solely on AI. Human presence is not optional—it's a necessity.
III: Preservation of Humanity
Today, many people are concerned that AI will not only replace their jobs but also their sense of purpose, value, and identity. AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) addresses this concern by focusing on the interface of AI and human emotion.
AI can replicate and even emulate thinking and offer accessible information, guidance, and support. But this isn’t humanity. Artificial intelligence doesn't have a conscience that includes honesty, morality, vulnerability, forgiveness, suffering, compassion, or love. These abilities will always be uniquely human.
AIEW emphasizes that emotional wellness depends on preserving human connections in our rapidly evolving technological world. When people feel displaced by machines, anxiety and stress rear their ugly heads. Empowered by the integration of technology AND human emotion—AIEW—we can thrive!
In conclusion, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness is not about taking away unique human abilities; it's about preserving and protecting them. The previously described core pillars of AIEW elucidate a path forward that respects both technological advancement and the complexity of human emotion: grounding in reality, an irreplaceable human presence, and the preservation of humanity in our rapidly changing technological world.
Please, join me in this timely and meaningful journey—by ethically and responsibly integrating the power of artificial intelligence with the sanctity of our emotions—humanity.
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