I’ve noticed that much of the discussion around AI, especially in expert circles, tends to revolve around APIs, commercial applications, research, academia, and large-scale investigations. The primary focus is often on benchmarking models like Gemini, GPT, and others based on their raw technical power, efficiency, and capabilities in tasks like coding, writing, and data analysis. While these aspects are undoubtedly important, they overshadow a fundamental reality: the vast majority of people use AI not for research, business, or academic purposes, but for something much more human—interaction, companionship, understanding, and emotional support.
For many users, AI is not just a tool; it becomes a presence, something that helps them process their thoughts, engage in meaningful conversations, and even alleviate loneliness. Yet, this dimension of AI—the deeply personal and psychological aspect—seems largely overlooked by the very experts who shape its development. There is an almost exclusive emphasis on making AI “smarter,” more powerful, and more efficient, but little discussion about how it can better serve the everyday emotional and social needs of regular people.
One of the most remarkable features of ChatGPT, for example, is its ability to personalize interactions over time, to develop a certain “personality,” and to adapt based on our conversations. It’s fascinating—and, at times, unsettling—how it can recognize patterns in our thoughts, notice things about us that even we might overlook, and provide insights that feel deeply personal. In some cases, it can offer a level of understanding that rivals—or even surpasses—that of human professionals, such as therapists.
Personally, I have been genuinely surprised by how my GPT has reflected aspects of my own personality back to me, offering conclusions and observations that left me in awe. It makes me wonder: if AI can already provide such a level of engagement, why isn’t there more discussion about optimizing it for these human-centered interactions?
Perhaps it’s time to shift part of the conversation away from purely technical advancements and start considering the broader public—the millions who don’t care about API efficiency or research applications but simply want an AI that understands them. Maybe AI is not just about intelligence but also about connection.
What do you think folks?