Emotional Outsourcing in the Age of AI: Psychological Trade-Offs for Public Value and Human Relationships

Purpose: Recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have expanded the role of AI systems beyond instrumental functions towards emotionally and socially responsive interactions. This paper examines the emerging phenomenon of emotional outsourcing, defined as the transfer of emotional regulation, reassurance, and relational functions from human relationships and public institutions to AI systems. Method: Drawing on interdisciplinary research in psychology, education, and human–computer interaction, the study adopts a conceptual and integrative approach and applies Knapp’s relational development model as an analytical framework to explore stagedependent dynamics in human-AI relationships. Results: Emotionally responsive AI systems, including AI companion chatbots and related applications, are increasingly used as listeners, coaches, and tutors, offering emotional reassurance, motivational support, and conversational practice. While these systems provide accessibility and short-term emotional benefits, including reduced loneliness and perceived support, the analysis identifies longer-term risks associated with sustained engagement, such as increased emotional dependence, reduced real-world social interaction, and shifts in the development of self-efficacy, emotional regulation, and relational competence. These effects appear most pronounced in later, ‘bonded’ stages of interaction, where AI systems may begin to function as substitutes rather than supplements for human relationships. Conclusion: From a public value perspective, emotional outsourcing raises concerns regarding the displacement of emotional labour from publicly accountable institutions to privately governed technological platforms. The paper argues for a balanced approach that positions emotionally responsive AI systems as complementary tools that support, rather than replace, human relationships and institutional care in the development of psychological wellbeing.