What may be happening
You may ask AI instead of a desk neighbor, eat lunch at your screen, or skip meetings you could partly attend. Remote work plus AI can compound disconnection.
What can help
Notice tasks you could use as connection moments—ask a human first when learning helps relationships. Schedule coffee or short check-ins with colleagues. Use AI for draft work, then collaborate on refinement. Join team channels for non-task chat when culture allows. Set boundaries on solo AI marathons during shared office hours. Talk with manager about collaboration expectations if isolation hurts performance or morale.
When to get support
Consider professional support if symptoms persistently interfere with daily life, relationships, or safety. Seek urgent help if you are having thoughts of self-harm or feel unable to stay safe; in the U. S. , call or text 988. Seek support if work isolation fuels depression, burnout, or thoughts of self-harm—and use employee assistance programs if available.