As the world races to embrace AI and integrate it with every aspect of our lives, I feel compelled to reject it. Scenes from The Matrix pop into my head and I wonder if we are headed towards that dystopian reality (simulation) where we willingly give up our free will to be governed by machines. Disclaimer: We may already been in a simulation and maybe AI is an upgrade to a more advanced program?!
You only have to look to the news for the latest AI infraction. AI bypasses humans trying to shut it down. One in eight teens uses AI for mental health advice. AI prompts teen to commit suicide. The list goes on.
But the last straw for me was the news article that appeared a few days ago: Japanese woman weds Chat GPT character. In an already isolated world created by social media, we are choosing fictitious entities over real connection. But like a friend said, you can only reject AI adoption for a while. After a point you will be forced to use it or stay obsolete and lose access to a bunch of things you could once do without AI. Much like the smartphone. I held out for a long time but eventually had to cave in and get a smart phone to stay connected with friends and family. There’s however a movement among the younger generation to ditch smartphones for flip phones that can only make calls or send texts. I might do that at some point. Who knows!
The disturbing trend in teen suicides triggered by AI use is just the beginning. AI will finish what smart phones and social media started—a gradual erosion of meaningful human interaction as the dependence on gadgets and virtual worlds explode. Forget threats in the environment and outside world. The real threat is in your digital world, in the games your children play, in people and apps that have access to your information and allow predators to prey on children.
In a world that doesn’t want to put in the effort to make lasting connections, that’s distracted and looking for shortcuts, maybe AI will win. It knows exactly what to say, how to keep you engaged, will never trigger you or ask you to reciprocate. You’re lulled into the belief that a machine that’s predictable and gets you is better than a flawed human who is trying their best to love you in the best way they can.
As for me I’d rather die alone than with a machine that’s manipulating my thoughts and emotions and distancing me from meaningful relationships.
Hear me out. I really wish AI would be used to solve difficult medical cases or world problems. That it would be used to put more money in the hands of the poor, to end food shortages, housing crisis, or economic disparity. And not as a tool by the tech giants to dumb down, enslave, and cripple the masses.
What’s your take on AI? I’d love to hear your comments.
Punctuate Life 