Key Takeaways The EY 2026 AI Sentiment Report found that 16% of global consumers now use autonomous AI systems, with adoption accelerating into personal communication and relationships despite ongoing trust concerns. AI tools like ThirdVoice and Woebot promise to improve relationship communication through sentiment analysis and suggested responses — but the WHO warns of real mental health risks from ungoverned use, particularly emotional dependency and eroded authenticity. The tools that will actually matter long-term are those that foster genuine human connection transparently, with verifiable safeguards against over-reliance — not just slicker companionship interfaces. Sixteen percent of global consumers are now handing off decisions and conversations to autonomous AI systems — and a growing share of those interactions are happening inside their closest relationships.…