Tech Leaders Emphasize Importance of Human Connection Amid AI Boom

Executives like Mark Cuban, Mary Barra, and Sam Altman call for more intentional disconnection from technology

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly advance, some of the business world's most prominent leaders are emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection and intentionally disconnecting from technology. Figures like billionaire Mark Cuban, GM CEO Mary Barra, and OpenAI's Sam Altman are speaking out about the need to prioritize in-person interactions and offline experiences, even as their companies drive technological progress.

Why it matters

This shift in mindset among tech leaders reflects a growing recognition that the relentless march of AI and digital technology, while fueling profits and societal benefits, can also create an echo chamber and detachment from the physical world. By advocating for more human connection, these executives are signaling that technological prowess alone is not enough - meaningful contributions and a fulfilling life outside of work are equally vital.

The details

Billionaire Mark Cuban recently urged people to "get off our asses, left the house and had fun," emphasizing that hard work is meaningless without a fulfilling life outside of it. GM CEO Mary Barra personally responds to customer letters, celebrating milestones like high odometer readings, to maintain direct engagement. Even Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, regularly retreats to his ranch in Napa to escape the "weirdly isolated world" that technology can create.

  • In a recent interview, Mark Cuban issued his call to action for more human connection.
  • At the New York Times DealBook Summit in December, Mary Barra spoke about the importance of direct engagement with customers.
  • Sam Altman has acknowledged regularly retreating to his ranch in Napa, California to disconnect from technology.

The players

Mark Cuban

A billionaire known for his early embrace of technology and appearances on Shark Tank.

Mary Barra

The CEO of General Motors who personally responds to letters from customers.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, who regularly retreats to his ranch in Napa to escape technology.

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What they’re saying

“It's time we all got off our asses, left the house and had fun.”

— Mark Cuban (Inc.)

“To me, this is such a special business.”

— Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors (New York Times DealBook Summit)

“I end up living in a weirdly isolated world. I fight that every inch... I think the more you let the world build a bubble around you, the more insane you go.”

— Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (Inc.)

The takeaway

This shift in mindset among tech leaders reflects a growing recognition that technological prowess alone is not enough - meaningful human connection and a fulfilling life outside of work are equally vital in the age of AI. By advocating for more intentional disconnection and offline experiences, these executives are signaling that progress doesn't necessarily require total immersion in technology.