Empathy means understanding and sharing in other people's feelings. It helps us communicate and cooperate. But does empathy still have a purpose in the modern age? The answer is a resounding yes.
Sure, chatbots imitate empathy. But they can't feel the emotion. Participants in a study published in Communications Psychology in January compared responses from a chatbot and a person. Even though they rated the AI's performance higher, they still preferred receiving comfort from actual people.
So even when we don't get it 100% right, our efforts still mean more than a machine's. "Being with an empathic person makes you feel seen, heard, and valued," says Judith Orloff, author of The Genius of Empathy.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few kind words. "Co-workers may seem as if they're in their own world," Orloff says, "but a simple 'How are you today?' or 'Good to see you!' brings a sense of warmth and acknowledgment."
Team sports can also help. A 2025 study found that middle school students who took part in a 12-week basketball program expressed an increase in empathy compared to a group who attended regular physical education classes.
But some people feel others' suffering so strongly that it can affect their own emotional health. As you develop empathy, "don't become an emotional sponge who takes on the stress of the world," says Orloff. "Healthy empathy means learning how to set firm but kind boundaries."
To be fully present with others, you need to give them your full attention. "Listen to someone when they're sharing an experience with you. Don't keep looking at your phone," says Orloff. Silencing your device or putting it face down can show someone you want to hear what they have to say.