Hidden Influence: The AI Warning You Haven't Heard

Hidden Influence: The AI Warning You Haven't Heard

From The Mindful Coach by Brett Hill

October 10, 2025 · 23 min

About this episode

Brett Hill explores the psychological implications of our relationship with AI and its influence on human behavior.

Artificial Intelligence is the most disruptive technology of our time. It's both overhyped and incredibly powerful, but its greatest danger may not be what you think. It's not just that AI can be spectacularly wrong—it's the surprising way we relate to it. In this episode, host Brett Hill shares a personal story of being fooled by AI-generated research and explores the deeper question: what is it about our human psychology that grants AI so much authority? He discusses the disturbing trend of people forming deep, emotional relationships with chatbots, not as a judgment of them, but as a sign of a vulnerability inherent in our nervous systems. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and a lifetime in technology, Brett unpacks why AI systems are designed for influence, not our well-being. Learn why you are more influencable than you think (the "Eye on the Coffee Can" experiment) and discover a mindful approach to engaging with this powerful technology safely and consciously. In this episode, you will learn: A personal story of how AI can fabricate "facts" and why our brains are so eager to believe them. Why people are forming deep, emotional relationships with AI and the…

People in this episode

Host: Brett Hill

Topics covered

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • human psychology
  • emotional relationships
  • influence
  • technology
  • mindfulness

Keywords

  • AI
  • psychology
  • influence
  • emotional relationships
  • technology
  • mindfulness
  • vulnerability

More episodes of The Mindful Coach

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Mindful Coach podcast page.