AI is transforming how we live, work, and connect, with new tools promising to make our lives easier every day.

From drafting emails to diagnosing medical symptoms, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing artificial intelligence can’t do.

But according to psychologists, there are some tasks that AI should never replace—not because it lacks capability, but because these areas touch on aspects of our humanity that machines simply can’t replicate.

Whether it’s understanding complex emotions, making ethical decisions, or nurturing meaningful relationships, here are nine things you should never rely on AI to do.

As we increasingly share our lives with technology, it’s worth considering where to draw the line, and why some things are better left to human hands and hearts.

1) Understanding human emotions

AI is a product of human ingenuity, but it’s not human.

It can process data at lightning speed, but it lacks one fundamental thing – human emotion.

Emotions are complex and nuanced.

They’re influenced by a myriad of factors – our past experiences, our current surroundings, even our cultural backgrounds. No two people experience emotions the same way.

Yet, our emotions profoundly affect our decision-making, our interactions, and ultimately, our well-being.

AI, with its lack of emotional depth and understanding, just can’t replicate this intricate aspect of being human.

Relying on AI to understand, interpret or respond to human emotions can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations and missed opportunities for genuine human connection.

As a psychologist, I can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining human touch in understanding emotions.

So remember, when it comes to interpreting or responding to emotions – AI should not be your go-to solution.

2) Offering empathy

Let me share a personal experience.

I once worked with a client who was going through a tough time.

They were grappling with the loss of a loved one, feeling a wave of emotions like grief, anger, and confusion.

Could an AI have listened to their story? Certainly. But would it have truly understood? Absolutely not.

Empathy goes beyond just understanding someone’s emotions.

It’s about feeling with them, sharing in their sorrow or joy, and it’s something that AI, no matter how advanced, can’t offer.

I remember sitting with the client, holding space for their pain, offering a comforting presence in their moment of grief.

This empathetic connection made them feel heard and less alone during an incredibly difficult time.

That’s the power of empathy – it connects us on a deeply human level. And it’s something you should never rely on AI for.

3) Making moral judgements

AI operates on algorithms, it follows a set of rules programmed into its system.

But morality isn’t black and white, it’s subjective and often depends on cultural, societal, and personal beliefs.

For instance, did you know that different cultures have various interpretations of what constitutes as moral or immoral?

It’s a fascinating complexity that AI, with its rigid programming, can’t fully comprehend.

When it comes to making moral judgements, AI may lack the necessary understanding of cultural nuances and personal beliefs.

So, it’s always better to rely on human judgement in such matters.

4) Providing human touch

While AI can perform tasks with unmatched efficiency, there’s one thing it cannot replicate – the human touch.

In my field of psychology, a simple gesture like a comforting pat on the back or a reassuring smile can go a long way in making someone feel better.

These subtle acts of kindness and understanding are deeply rooted in our human nature.

AI, on the other hand, operates within the digital realm and lacks the ability to provide this physical reassurance.

5) Building genuine relationships

The beauty of human relationships lies in their complexity and depth.

These relationships are built on shared experiences, mutual understanding, empathy, and a myriad of other factors that AI just can’t replicate.

Though AI can mimic conversation and even learn from previous interactions, it cannot form a genuine, emotional bond with a human.

It doesn’t have personal experiences to share, emotions to feel or a life lived.

Building meaningful, enduring relationships is a fundamentally human ability. 

6) Fostering personal growth and self-awareness

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a psychologist is witnessing people grow, evolve and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

It’s a journey that requires introspection, resilience, and time.

AI, with all its data-crunching capabilities, cannot assist in this deeply personal journey.

It cannot share in your triumphs or console you in your failures.

It cannot inspire you to reach greater heights or encourage you when you’re feeling low.

Personal growth and self-awareness stem from human experiences, emotions, and introspection.

It’s a journey that requires a human touch – something that AI can’t provide.

7) Handling life’s unexpected twists and turns

Life is full of unexpected events.

I remember a time when a sudden health scare made me reevaluate my priorities and shift my perspective on life.

It was a challenging period, but it was also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

AI, driven by algorithms and predictive models, can’t navigate these unexpected life events in the same way we humans do.

It doesn’t have the capacity to adapt, learn, and grow from these experiences.

When life takes an unexpected turn, it’s our resilience, empathy, and ability to adapt that guide us through.

These are uniquely human traits that AI can’t replicate.

So, when it comes to handling life’s unpredictability, always rely on your own strength and wisdom.

8) Experiencing human joy and pain

There’s a raw, intense beauty in experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions.

The joy of achieving a long-desired goal, the pain of a heartbreak – these experiences shape us, define us, and make us who we are.

AI, however advanced, cannot experience these emotions.

It can’t revel in the joy of achievement or learn from the pain of loss.

It doesn’t have sentience, the capacity to feel – a trait that is so fundamentally human.

So when it comes to experiencing the depth and breadth of human emotions, always trust in your own heart’s capacity to feel and learn from these experiences.

9) Leading your own life

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is this: AI is a tool, not a replacement for human experience or judgement.

Your life is your own journey, filled with unique experiences and emotions. It’s a journey that requires you to:

• Make choices
• Face challenges
• Learn from your experiences

AI can assist you in many ways, but it can’t live your life for you.

Leading your own life, making your own choices, and learning from your own experiences is something that only you can do.

Trust in your abilities, follow your instincts, and remember – when it comes to living your own life, you are the best person for the job.

Final reflection: The irreplaceable human element

As AI continues to evolve, it’s tempting to lean on it for more aspects of our daily lives.

Yet, as this list shows, there are certain responsibilities and experiences that require a uniquely human touch.

From navigating ethical dilemmas to cultivating relationships and understanding our own emotions, these tasks are deeply woven into the fabric of our humanity.

While AI can be an incredible tool, it’s essential to remember that some things simply can’t—or shouldn’t—be automated.

In knowing where to rely on AI and where to preserve human insight, we not only protect the qualities that make us human but also use technology in a way that truly enhances our lives.