If AI Can Teach Us Anything, Why Do We Still Follow People?
Reading Time: 5 minutesEven in an AI-powered world, we still seek out real teachers, mentors, and in-person gatherings. Why? This article explores these questions, diving into what makes human connection so essential, even as AI becomes a powerful teaching tool. Discover why, in a world full of smart technology, we still look to people for inspiration, presence, and the stories that truly move us.
As a consultant specializing in AI, sometimes I feel like I’m not supposed to be saying this…but it’s hard not to point out the obvious.
We’re living in an era where a clever chatbot can teach you Python, coach you through a business plan, and give life advice that sounds like it came straight out of a leadership seminar. But if AI is that good at teaching… why do we still sign up for workshops led by real people?
Why do we fly across the country to sit in hotel ballrooms, scribbling notes as someone clicks through a slide deck? Why do we meet with real people over Zoom? There’s a reason we bookmark blog posts, replay podcast interviews, and scribble notes while listening to human speakers.
In order to fully explore why we often prefer learning from people over technology, you’d need input from psychologists, educators, sociologists – experts I don’t claim to be. What I can offer is my own lived perspective. My thoughts here come from intuition, and years of close collaboration with people in all kinds of learning and working environments, and of course my own research on this topic. This blog contains anecdotal insights, but they’re the kind that come from being a human among humans, and I believe that still matters.
Can ChatGPT’s Study Mode Replace Human Teachers?
This week, OpenAI released Study Mode in ChatGPT, another step toward AI becoming an everyday learning companion. It’s impressive, useful, and opens up new possibilities for personalized education.
The topic of human v. AI teaching is nuanced, and I’m not claiming one way is better than another, but rather asking a few questions that might help us think more clearly. How should we approach AI in education? What role do people still play, and why do we care?
These questions apply to continued learning, K–12, higher ed, and everything in between. But what stands out to me most is how often we’re still drawn to people when it comes to learning.
Why Do We Still Seek Out Human Teachers When AI Can Teach Us Anything?
This comparative article from Preply highlights some of the key preferences we as humans (the learners) have when choosing between AI and human instruction. It notes that while AI can provide consistent, scalable learning support, human teachers offer creativity, empathy, and adaptability, which are qualities that play a central role in how we learn, grow, and connect.
AI Is Changing How We Learn, and even with all the AI tools available, it seems clear that people still bring something essential to the learning process:
- Lived stories: We follow people because their life experience moves us.
- Authentic voice: Their voice is uniquely theirs, not scraped from the web.
- Emotional impact: Human instructors offer emotional connection, empathy, and adaptability, qualities that AI systems cannot fully replicate.
We also know that human connection makes learning stick. Learning alongside others has been shown to make information more memorable and easier to understand. Think about:
- Encouragement from a mentor
- A peer’s thoughtful question
- A shared aha moment in a workshop
These moments actually improve our chances of remembering what we learn.
Why Do We Still Value Face-to-Face Learning in a Digital Age?
Despite the convenience of online courses and AI tutors, in-person events remain popular. There’s an energy in a room full of people learning together, a sense of community and shared purpose. These experiences foster networking, spontaneous collaboration, and a sense of belonging that digital tools struggle to match.
What Can AI Teach Us That People Can’t?
AI excels at delivering information quickly and efficiently. We use it to break down complex topics, offer instant feedback, and personalize learning paths at scale.
For self-paced learners or those needing quick answers, AI is a powerful tool. For introverts (like myself), who might feel hesitant to ask questions in a group setting, AI can be an incredibly valuable tool. In fact, AI tutors and tools can offer a low-pressure learning environment that helps introverted students engage more fully, whether it’s through self-paced study or one-on-one interaction without social pressure. This article on LinkedIn shares how introverts are finding creative, quiet ways to grow their skills and confidence with the help of AI.
For a practical example of how responsible AI can be applied in real-world learning environments, check out how RileyBot supports students through gentle, values-aligned tutoring built on Anthropic’s Claude model.
Key Reminders for Using AI to Support Real Growth and Human Connection
AI is not a panacea. It won’t solve every problem, and it isn’t meant to replace good thinking or human interaction.
Remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement for real human relationships.
But always make space for real conversations, mentorship, and community. That’s where true growth happens, especially for small businesses.
The Bottom Line : Where Should We Apply AI and Where Shouldn’t We?
Responsible AI strategy starts with asking the right questions. Where could AI genuinely help people save time, reduce stress, or improve outcomes? And where would it create confusion, remove nuance, or risk unintended harm?
A core pillar of responsible AI is thoughtfully deciding what we use AI for, and just as importantly, what we don’t. The World Economic Forum emphasizes that AI should serve clear, appropriate goals, especially in education. Microsoft’s responsible AI guidelines and Apple’s privacy policy also call for intentional use, favoring tasks where AI truly adds value and recommending human oversight where needed.
So Where Does AI Fit In?
And as higher education begins embracing AI, having strong governance in place becomes essential. For example, UT Austin has published clear guidelines outlining how AI should be used responsibly in academic environments.
It’s clear that changes are happening, and an approach that combines by AI and human teachers in education is likely here to stay.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing; in this age of AI, we have choices.
Putting Responsible AI Into Practice
Thoughtful use of AI requires an approach that goes beyond simple implementation of the tools That’s why we focus on:
- Helping you define where AI makes sense and where it doesn’t
- Creating workflow automation that supports, not replaces, your team
- Designing tools that align with your values and real-world needs
Want to see what a human-first AI strategy looks like? Explore our services to learn more about Violet Beacon and responsible AI governance.
Final Thoughts for Now
AI is evolving rapidly, and so is our understanding of how to use it wisely. As we continue to experiment, learn, and grow, let’s stay grounded in what makes us human. Curiosity. Empathy. Discernment. Those are the traits that make us good learners, and good teachers.
Which learning moments have stuck with you the most—ones with a person, or with technology?
How AI Was Used in This Post
AI supported this post by assisting with topic brainstorming, research, drafting, and proofreading. All contributions were overseen to ensure a human-centered tone.
Photos by Richard Wheeler, illustrating shadow of a person reading music. All Rights Reserved.
