As loneliness and mental health challenges continue to rise, researchers are asking a provocative question: could artificial intelligence (AI) help fill the emotional gaps in human connection?
This is one of the questions Connected Minds explores. The joint York University-Queen’s University research program is focused on understanding how humans and intelligent technologies can work together to promote a healthy and just society.
The theme of empathic AI considers systems designed to simulate emotional understanding and offer support in human-centered settings such as mental health care.
Michael Inzlicht, a leading psychologist from the University of Toronto, is contributing to this conversation with research that shows AI-generated empathy can sometimes be experienced as equal to – or even preferred over – human responses.
A keynote speaker at the upcoming Connected Minds Conference, hosted by York University Oct. 6 to 8, Inzlicht will present his findings that indicate while AI can mimic empathy in ways people find comforting – however, it also introduces risks with reinforcing unhealthy thinking and raises concerns about AI's role in mental health.
Inzlicht’s work highlights how these AI systems, if not carefully designed, could reinforce distorted or delusional thinking. The concern he raises is that AI might become too agreeable – mirroring users’ emotions without offering meaningful challenge or reflection – potentially undermining mental health rather than supporting it.
At York, researchers are exploring questions around empathetic AI, and how robots can build trust and respond to human emotions in real-world settings like health care, security and search-and-rescue. Led by Professor Michael Jenkin at York’s Lassonde School of Engineering, the research looks at how to build trust between people and machines.
“Empathy isn’t just a human trait – it’s a bridge to trust,” says Jenkin. “We’re designing robots that can understand and respond to human emotions while recognizing the ethical and social responsibilities that come with that connection.”
Using AI and machine learning, Jenkin and his team – in collaboration with other faculty at York and elsewhere and partners in local industry – are designing and developing robots that can monitor emotional cues and act with empathy. This raises important questions about how people interact with machines, how robots should look and how their roles reflect deeper social issues.
While these technologies offer exciting possibilities – especially for vulnerable populations – researchers warn that they may also mask broader societal problems that need attention.
“This relationship between emotional support and ethical responsibility is a key focus for Connected Minds researchers,” says Jenkin. “As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life – from chatbots to therapeutic apps – the need to understand their psychological and social impact is urgent.”
Queen’s University and Connected Minds researcher Matthew Pan is leading a project that explores how to make virtual reality (VR) performances more emotionally engaging. By integrating physical touch interactions using robotics, the research aims to better understand empathetic AI to create more human-centred and culturally sensitive virtual experiences.
Pan will showcase his robots as part of the Oct. 6 Opening Arts Reception, which kicks off the three-day Connected Minds Conference.
The conference will also explore how cutting-edge technologies – from AI and social media to brain-computer interfaces and social robots – are reshaping health, accessibility, ethics and society, through keynotes, panels and interactive discussions.
Register now to attend.