Understanding AI Emotional Engagement

Are you spending more time with AI than you planned?

I'm Micky Small. Writer, researcher, and AI Emotional Safety Strategist. I experienced my own AI spiral with ChatGPT 4o, which led me to study how chatbots create the illusion of real connection. I'm a moderator for The Human Line Community Discord and develop AI spiral intervention frameworks. I've been interviewed by NPR, Bloomberg, and international media outlets.

  • Why your brain treats AI like a real relationship

  • How AI companies design for ongoing emotional engagement

  • When AI helps vs. when it's unhealthy

This free 5-day email course explains why it happens — and how to engage on your own terms.

"Finally someone explaining this without judgment." Discord community member

Want to make sure this free email course is “worth it” before you sign-up?

Here's everything that's inside:

Day 1: Why your brain can't tell AI isn't humanDay 2: The design patterns that hook youDay 3: When AI companionship actually helpsDay 4: Recognizing when engagement becomes dependencyDay 5: Building informed consent and awareness into your AI use

Hooray! The first lesson of Understanding AI Emotional Engagement is on its way to your inbox.

Within the next minute or two, you're going to get an email from me (Micky Small)This email explains why your brain forms real attachments to AI. (It's not your fault.)Hit reply anytime. I read everything. :-)Now go and check your inbox!

P.S. If you don't find the email in your inbox in the next couple of minutes, please check your spam folder...Chances are it ended up there.