Joseph Gordon-Levitt Warns AI May Leave Us ‘Lacking Empathy’

Actor and tech entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt warned that artificial intelligence could leave society “lacking empathy” if it replaces real human connection. 

Speaking at Utah’s 2025 AI Summit this month, Gordon-Levitt expressed concern that AI-driven conversations could erode people’s ability to form genuine human relationships, particularly for children. 

His comments come as lawmakers, technology companies, and regulators debate how to balance AI innovation with protection for users. For IT leaders, the remarks underscore the growing pressure to consider not just what AI can do but how it influences human behavior.

A warning centered on children and connection

Gordon-Levitt voiced his concerns while calling for greater regulation of AI chatbots and other AI-powered tools. He said his worries were rooted in how children interact with technology and how those experiences shape emotional development. 

“I’m worried it could do more harm than good, and in particular to kids, and my kids,” Gordon-Levitt said at the summit, according to AOL. “That worries me, and it sort of galvanized me to be speaking about it,” he added. 

During a discussion with Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, the actor stressed that there are limits to AI’s capabilities. He echoed earlier comments by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who introduced his “pro-human” AI agenda focused on business, education, and policy.

“The bedrock of any civilization is human relationships,” Gordon-Levitt said, as reported by Deseret News. He added, “There’s more to a human relationship than what any chatbot can do.”

‘A civilization of people lacking empathy’

AOL reported that Gordon-Levitt expressed concern that if people come to view conversation and relationships primarily through chatbots, society could face a troubling future where individuals lack empathy, perspective, and the ability to form human connections. 

“And where is our civilization at that point? I feel like it could get really dark,” the actor added. 

Gordon-Levitt also expressed concerns that the extent of children’s exposure to synthetic intimacy through chatbots remains unclear. While he is critical of AI companions marketed to young people, he emphasized that he’s not against technology itself. 

As the founder of the creative platform HITRECORD, the actor characterized himself as an optimist who sees potential for AI to enhance education, healthcare, and creative pursuits when deployed thoughtfully and responsibly.

Regulation debate plays out in Utah

Gordon-Levitt’s comments resonated with broader discussions at the Utah AI Summit about how governments should respond to AI’s rapid growth. He joined Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince and Nvidia co-founder Chris Malachowsky in addressing both the benefits and risks posed by the increasing use of AI.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also spoke at the event, noting that while he believes that the government shouldn’t be regulating AI development, intervention becomes necessary when AI tools are used to create sexualized chatbots for children. 

“Then it’s my business, and it’s the government’s business, and we are going to get involved, and we are going to tell you what you can and can’t do,” he emphasized. 

In a separate report by Deseret News, Cox was quoted at the AI Summit saying that every AI decision should be evaluated to determine whether it promotes human flourishing or diminishes our capability. 

He cautioned that while AI tools can help address diseases or environmental problems, these platforms could conversely undermine learning and personal agency if people become passive consumers rather than active participants.

To learn more about how governments are moving to protect children from AI risks, see eWeek’s coverage of California’s new AI law.