Seduced by Data, Ghosted by Emotion: Rekindling Human Intimacy in the Age of AI

From the Quirk’s New York Event | July 2025

As AI-driven solutions rapidly evolve within the qualitative research landscape, the emphasis on automation, speed, and scale continues to grow.  But are we losing something essential in the process as we become more and more detached from real humans?

In this session, Stan Sthanunathan, former EVP at Unilever and Jim Longo, co-founder of Discuss, will highlight the vital role of human intimacy in enhancing AI-led research. They will share why keeping humans in the loop is not merely beneficial—they are strategically critical in driving deeper, actionable insights.

We’ll explore how integrating AI-driven agility with human-centered design enables any team to swiftly address strategic business questions, benefiting from richer, more nuanced understandings. And explore the shifting roles and expectations of humans in the research process. 

Join us to discover how bridging AI with human intimacy can transform your approach to consumer insights, ensuring your strategies remain meaningful and deeply connected to your audience.

Key takeaways:

  1. The new AI = Augmented Insights: combining the speed of artificial intelligence with the depth of human understanding.
  2. Shifting expectations and evolving roles in the self-service research landscape.
  3. Practical approaches to reconnecting with real consumers to foster authentic understanding.

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