AI is changing how we do UX research at superhuman speed and scale while stealthily corroding something undeniably human. In a session aimed at UX leaders, well explore how to restore empathy and authenticity into processes increasingly driven by AI. Like a Pinocchio on his way to becoming real, well explore how AI-generated personas and insights may appear lifelike, but lack emotional truth. Attendees will learn to use the Empathy Gap Map along with a host of simple devices for reintroducing empathy, ethics, and reflection into research workflows augmented by AI. In a live persona-making exercise that pits human against AI, well demonstrate the moment when understanding dies and how it can be revived. The session will equip researchers and leaders with the tools to co-create work in ways that feel real, authentic, and deeply human — even (and especially) as an AI-generated tide rises around us.