Human dignity feels forgotten sometimes.
There’s no denying it—AI is growing faster than we can keep up with, and it’s making a lot of people uneasy. Every day, we hear stories about how AI is revolutionizing industries, automating tasks, and even replacing jobs.
Billions of dollars are being poured into AI development, and it feels like the future is happening right before our eyes.
But while we’re racing to build machines that think like us, what are we doing to safeguard the most important aspect of humanity?
I’m talking about our human dignity, our well-being, and the way we treat each other. In this rush to develop AI, we’ve neglected something essential—people. Arrogant colleagues, passive-aggressive behaviour, and outright bullying in workplaces remain unaddressed, and this lack of accountability creates an environment where toxic behaviours fester.
Sadly, almost nothing is being done to protect us from these everyday threats to our well-being. And in some ways, this is even more harmful than the supposed “AI takeover” we all fear.
AI Isn’t the Only Threat
Sure, AI can replace certain jobs, but think about this—what’s more damaging in a workplace?
A machine that can automate routine tasks or a person who undermines your self-worth every day with toxic behaviour?
The passive-aggressive comments, the bullying that goes unchecked, the arrogance of individuals who refuse to respect others—these are the real threats to our human dignity. And yet, while billions are funnelled into AI to make it smarter, faster, and more efficient, there’s little investment in improving soft skills like empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Workplaces continue to tolerate behaviour that chips away at our well-being. Teams break apart due to unchecked arrogance. Entire families suffer when the breadwinner is too stressed, anxious, or beaten down by the toxic culture at work to be present at home.
Yet, what are we doing about it? Why aren’t we training people to communicate better, be more empathetic, and work collaboratively? It’s time to face the truth—our emotional and social skills are lagging far behind our technological advancements.
Where’s the Accountability?
If a robot underperforms, it gets fixed or replaced. But when a person with poor soft skills wreaks havoc on a team, who holds them accountable?
Too often, toxic individuals slip through the cracks, and the damage they cause goes unaddressed. Arrogant leaders get promoted, passive-aggressive employees get a free pass, and bullies remain unchecked, poisoning the work environment for everyone else.
And what’s the cost?
It’s not just the individual who suffers—it’s entire organizations, families, and even economies. Poor communication and toxic behaviour lead to burnout, mental health issues, and reduced productivity. The ripple effect spreads far beyond the workplace.
So why aren’t we investing as much in holding these individuals accountable as we are in developing AI?
It’s time we started beating this issue with training, creating more awareness, and updating our laws to protect us from these human threats.
Emotional intelligence, respect, and kindness should be valued as much as, if not more than, technical skills in the workplace.
AI Won’t Solve Our Soft Skill Deficit
Many believe that AI will eventually be able to solve all of our problems, including those related to human interaction.
Some hope that AI can “read” emotions, help mediate conflicts, and provide better mental health support. While there’s potential in these areas, it’s dangerous to rely on technology to fix what is fundamentally a human issue. Machines can’t teach us how to be kinder or more empathetic. That’s work we need to do ourselves.
We need more humane workplaces—not just smarter machines. We need environments where soft skills are valued, and where there are consequences for damaging behaviour.
Imagine if we poured even a fraction of the money that’s being invested in AI into soft skill training, conflict resolution programs, and initiatives that foster respect and empathy at work. We could transform workplaces into supportive, inclusive spaces where people thrive.
What We Need: A More Humane World
The world is becoming colder, driven by statistics and biased decisions. AI algorithms, as efficient as they may be, lack the nuance of human emotion. They can make decisions based on patterns and data, but they can’t consider the human impact of those decisions. We’re seeing this play out in industries like hiring, where AI can screen resumes but often overlooks the potential of individuals who don’t fit neatly into its programmed boxes.
If we continue down this path, what kind of world will we create? One where people are reduced to numbers and algorithms? Where decisions are made based on data, without any regard for the human beings behind the statistics? We need to take a step back and consider what kind of future we want to build. Yes, AI has the potential to improve our lives in countless ways, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our humanity.
Laws Need to Catch Up
It’s not just about training and awareness—our laws need to catch up, too. Right now, there’s little legal recourse for individuals facing emotional abuse, bullying, or toxic behaviour at work. While companies may have HR departments, they often fall short when it comes to protecting employees from these everyday threats to their human dignity.
We need stronger regulations that protect employees not just from physical harm, but from emotional and psychological harm as well. Laws should hold individuals accountable for their toxic behaviour in the workplace and create consequences for those who fail to respect the well-being of others. Only then can we create a more equitable, humane world—one that prioritizes the mental and emotional health of its people.
Moving Forward: It’s Time for Change
The AI revolution is here, and it’s not going away. But while we prepare for a future dominated by intelligent machines, we must also focus on what makes us human. We need to improve our soft skills, hold people accountable for their behaviour, and create more humane workplaces. This isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for our well-being, our families, and our economy.
Let’s invest in emotional intelligence training.
Let’s create awareness campaigns that highlight the damage caused by arrogance, passive aggression, and bullying. Let’s update our laws to protect individuals from emotional harm. And most importantly, let’s remember that the future isn’t just about machines—it’s about people.
In the end, we don’t just need smarter AI—we need smarter humans.
We need a world where human dignity, respect, and empathy are valued as much as technological advancement.
Only then can we truly thrive in this new era.