Workshop

Date: Thursday, 9/24

Time: 10-11:15am

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the way we communicate, work, heal, and connect, communities across the country are experiencing an escalating crisis of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection. While technology promises efficiency and accessibility, it also risks replacing authentic human interaction with digital convenience particularly for people already marginalized by trauma, poverty, racism, mental health challenges, addiction, disability, and systemic inequities. This timely and interactive workshop explores the growing loneliness epidemic through the lens of peer support, recovery, and collective healing. Grounded in lived experience and community-based practice, presenters Taina Martinez and Modupe Mujota will examine how peer supporters can remain anchors of humanity in an increasingly automated world. Participants will explore critical questions:  – What happens to recovery when human connection becomes transactional or digitized?  – How do peer workers preserve empathy, presence, and cultural humility in systems increasingly driven by technology?  – What does meaningful connection look like in the age of AI?  – How can peer support serve as resistance against isolation, disconnection, and dehumanization? Drawing from personal narratives, recovery principles, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive peer practice, this workshop will highlight the unique role peer supporters play in rebuilding belonging and restoring community. Presenters will discuss both the opportunities and ethical concerns AI presents within behavioral health and human services, while emphasizing that technology can never replace the healing power of being seen, heard, and understood by another human being. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for fostering authentic connection, combating social isolation, strengthening peer relationships, and creating healing spaces rooted in dignity, mutuality, storytelling, and collective care. At a time when many people feel disconnected from themselves and each other, this workshop is a call to action: to protect humanity at the center of peer support and to intentionally build communities where people feel they matter. Learning Objectives. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Identify how the loneliness epidemic impacts mental health, recovery, and community wellbeing. 2. Examine the role of AI and digital culture in shaping human relationships and emotional connection. 3. Describe how peer support can counter isolation through mutuality, presence, and authentic engagement. 4. Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive strategies to strengthen connection and belonging in peer practice. 5. Explore ethical considerations regarding AI in behavioral health and peer services. Workshop Format: Storytelling & lived experience reflections Interactive audience discussion Small group engagement activities Reflective exercises on connection and belonging Practical tools for peer supporters and organizations “In an age where machines are learning to imitate conversation, peer support reminds us of what it means to truly connect. Healing does not happen through algorithms alone; it happens through presence, compassion, community, and the courage to witness one another’s humanity.”