The Emotional Cost of AI-Written Messages

As seen in The Conversation, Professor of Marketing and Management Colleen Kirk, D.P.S., co-authored an article about the downfalls of using AI to write personal messages. From Valentine’s Day notes to emails to loved ones, Kirk and her fellow researchers explain that AI-written content can leave people feeling inauthentic and uneasy. When individuals rely on AI to generate emotional communication and then claim it as their own, they often experience guilt and diminished self-worth due to a disconnect between authorship and credit. The findings highlight that authenticity matters deeply in personal relationships, and while AI can be useful for inspiration or brainstorming, fully outsourcing heartfelt expression can undermine the emotional value of the message.

The article also appeared on multiple other sites, including Fast Company, The Washington Post, Yahoo!, and Seattle PI.