The future is upon us, and AI is quickly moving into roles we traditionally associate with humans. Imagine a world with AI Doctors, AI Lawyers, and yes, AI Coaches in the workplace. These AI coaches are being trained using established frameworks like GROW, FUEL, and CLEAR, and soon they’ll have access to real-life coaching interactions, allowing them to refine their skills by observing human coaches in action.

Picture an AI that can ask thoughtful, probing questions, just as a human coach would—maybe even better. From a purely theoretical perspective, AI could match or even surpass human coaches in guiding individuals toward their goals. But here’s the catch: people still hesitate to engage deeply with AI chatbots, particularly when it comes to areas requiring empathy and trust, like coaching. Why is that? 🤔

The Messenger Effect: Why Trusting AI Isn’t Easy

This reluctance to trust AI as a coach may stem from a cognitive bias known as the Messenger Effect. This bias suggests that we often judge the validity of information based on who delivers it rather than the information itself. When we face complex questions, we may not have all the facts to make a fully informed response, so we rely on our judgments of the messenger—trusting them to fill in the gaps.

In the case of AI, our "messenger" is a technology we don’t yet fully trust. Coaching requires a certain level of human warmth, intuition, and the understanding that the coach genuinely "gets" you. An AI, no matter how advanced, can feel impersonal and detached, making it difficult for people to open up and engage.

Why Does This Matter?

In areas like coaching, where trust is essential, the Messenger Effect has a significant impact. For many people, the credibility of advice is not just in the words spoken but in the relationship and trust with the coach. This trust helps coachees feel safe, open, and receptive. With AI, we’re not quite there yet. The sense of security that comes from a human presence is difficult to replicate with an AI, no matter how intelligent or empathetic it may seem.

A Glimpse into the Future: When Trust in AI Becomes the Norm

So, what would it take for people to fully trust an AI coach? The day we reach a point where we can’t distinguish between human and AI coaches might just be the day this barrier is overcome. As AI becomes more nuanced in understanding language, tone, and even emotional cues, it will inch closer to a level of interaction where people can feel genuinely supported and “seen” by AI.

Trust in AI is inevitable—it’s just a matter of time. As technology advances and AI becomes increasingly human-like in its responses, our reliance on the messenger to determine the credibility of information will diminish. But until then, human connection remains central to roles that require deep trust, empathy, and understanding.

So, would you trust an AI coach? Maybe not yet. But the future may surprise us in ways we never thought possible.