Kezeljeklike

Kezeljeklike is a neologism used in Hungarian to describe a style of communication that imitates care-oriented interaction. The term combines the Hungarian verb kezel, meaning to treat or handle, with the English suffix -like, producing a "care-like" quality. It is commonly employed to label messages, prompts, or behaviors in digital environments—such as chatbots, customer-service interfaces, or social platforms—that try to project empathy, reassurance, or therapeutic disposition without necessarily providing substantive help.

The word originated in online Hungarian discourse in the early 2020s as a descriptive label for algorithmic or performative empathy. It is sometimes used pejoratively to criticize statements that sound comforting yet lack depth, or to warn about capricious manipulation that relies on sentiment rather than information.

Typical characteristics include empathetic wording, validation of user feelings, structured guidance, repetitive reassurance, and explicit disclaimers about limitations. Kezeljeklike responses often depend on templated phrases and sentiment-laden language, which can obscure the underlying competence or authority of the system.

In practice, the term is used in evaluating AI systems, virtual assistants, and digital customer journeys. Ethical discussions center on whether care-like responses support user well-being or risk deceiving users into believing they are interacting with genuinely compassionate agents. Some advocate for clear disclosure of artificial origins and limits.

See also: chatbot, affective computing, user experience, digital ethics.