The world seems to be spinning on more than one axis. The bumpy ride is fuelled by many disruptors, in addition to rapid technology advancements, increased social fragmentation, and an overwhelming deluge of data. This barrage is tipping the balance between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and IQ, and not in a way that it should. While IQ has long been associated with problem-solving abilities and technical expertise, EI—the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—has been steadily diminishing. Recent findings by the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Network indicate that over the last five years global EI scores (also referred to as EQ scores) have declined by 5.5% and stress, burnout and loneliness are on the rise. This decline has led to what many are calling an “emotional recession,” a global crisis in empathy, resilience, and meaningful social connections.
How does AI affect Emotional Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, enhancing human capabilities, and optimizing decision-making. But, it’s the proverbial double-edged sword. While AI is rapidly replacing many of today’s tasks, in many instances it still lacks what is needed for balanced decision making and problem solving. On a traditional IQ test (WAIS), GenAI scores higher than 99% of humans. A cognitive genius. Unfortunately, it’s results on an EQ test aren’t nearly as impressive. Six Seconds gave ChatGPT the SEI® EQ test and it outperforms only 32% of people with a below average score of 93.
So, what’s missing? The profound depth and power of human emotion, connection and context, among other things. AI algorithms are designed to maximize engagement but GenAI contributes to information silos and confirmation biases. This further diminishes human emotional intelligence. Constantly exposed to content that reinforces their beliefs rather than challenging them, people become less adept at empathizing with opposing viewpoints. This echo-chamber effect results in increased societal fragmentation. It goes without saying that AI has already reduced the necessity for human-to-human interactions and this too has weakened people’s ability to cultivate and sustain deep emotional bonds.
Information overload – What else is at play?
The decline of EI is also part of a broader “metacrisis”. This term is used to describe a breakdown of interconnected global systems and the convergence of multiple existential threats. Continuously faced with dramatic information about climate change, economic instability, social unrest, and technological disruption, people are becoming over-whelmed. The infinite stream of news, social media updates, and algorithm-driven content vying for attention is driving cognitive and emotional burnout. The ability to process and filter information effectively is a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence. The current landscape undermines this skill. Attention is a currency and distractions are endless. People are struggling to differentiate between meaningful and superficial interactions.
Why should we prioritise EI now more than ever?
The decline in EI is not just a personal or psychological issue. EI is absolutely critical for meaningful leadership, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
“A recent study of 65,000 entrepreneurs, found that their emotional intelligence was key to their success: emotional intelligence was twice as important as their mental ability as cited in The Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal” – Daniel Goleman
Workplaces have become increasingly remote and digital interactions are dominating communication. The ability to read non-verbal cues, manage stress, and exhibit empathy are key factors in maintaining relationships. We know that societies with higher collective EI are better equipped to navigate crises and build resilient communities. What does a world dominated by low EI individuals look like? Sadly – its right in front of us. Heightened social fragmentation, misinformation-fuelled distrust, and increased mental health struggles. This is now our reality.
How do we reduce the emotional deficit?
Fostering EI is a matter of urgency. Organizations, policymakers, and educators need to lead the way. Schools need to prioritize EI development alongside academic learning and integrate programs that enhance emotional awareness, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Organisations should invest in EI training to ensure that employees develop the ability to manage stress, engage in constructive dialogue, and navigate the world of rapid change effectively. More than ever, people must develop critical thinking skills to navigate the vast sea of information they consume daily, learning to discern between emotionally manipulative content and meaningful knowledge.
Will sanity prevail?
As GenAI advances, data overload intensifies, and the Meta crisis deepens, the need for EI has never been more pressing. EI will ultimately determine humanity’s ability to coexist, collaborate, and thrive successfully in an increasingly complex world. The good news is that the emotional recession provides us with a challenge that we DO have the tools to resolve. Let’s harness our collective expertise to build a future where technology serves to boost, rather than diminish, our human capacity for empathy, connection, and resilience. The survival of our sanity and our social fabric depends on it.
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Recommended Reading
- 2024 State of The Heart Report from Six Seconds
- EI & AI Workplace Status Report 2025 from Six Seconds
- Emerging Research on Emotional Intelligence and Entrepreneurship by Daniel Goleman
- AI Fakes It: Good Leaders Keep It Real by Joshua Freedman
