Artificial intelligence and affective listening: a call for psychological reflection

Artificial intelligence and affective listening: a call for psychology to reflect

Authors

  • Gabriela Assunção Marques Universidade da Amazônia (UNAMA) – Marabá, PA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20347553

Keywords:

Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Emotional Validation, Listening, Subjectivity

Abstract

The use of generative artificial intelligence as a space for emotional listening has become a striking phenomenon in contemporary life. This article offers a psychological investigation of the experience of feeling understood by AI, based on a personal narrative of emotional transformation. Drawing on frameworks such as emotional validation (Linehan, 1993; Rogers, 1961), positive reinforcement (Skinner, 1974), attachment theory (Bowlby, 1980), and symbolic mirroring (Winnicott, 1975), the paper explores how automated responses can produce genuine psychic effects. Algorithmic listening is viewed as functional simulation, yet capable of symbolic containment. The article calls for an ethical and interdisciplinary response from Psychology to this new kind of bond, experienced by many as real.

References

BOWLBY, J. Apego e perda: volume 1 – apego. 4. ed. São Paulo: Martins Fontes, 1980.

LINEHAN, M. M. Terapia cognitivo-comportamental para transtorno de personalidade borderline. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 1993.

ROGERS, C. R. Tornar-se pessoa. São Paulo: Martins Fontes, 1961.

SKINNER, B. F. Ciência e comportamento humano. São Paulo: Martins Fontes, 1974.

TURKLE, S. Alone together: why we expect more from technology and less from each other. New York: Basic Books, 2011.

WINNICOTT, D. W. O brincar e a realidade. Rio de Janeiro: Imago, 1975.

Published

2026-05-22

How to Cite

Assunção Marques, G. (2026). Artificial intelligence and affective listening: a call for psychological reflection: Artificial intelligence and affective listening: a call for psychology to reflect . IGT Na Rede ISSN 1807-2526, 23(44). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20347553