The Dangers of Hyping Artificial Intelligence
In recent years, the advancement of computing, now hyped as “artificial intelligence (AI)”, has become both a fixation (for many) and a cause for concern (also for many). The promise of AI can be enticing: machines that can handle tedious tasks, automate processes, and provide solutions to problems that once kept us up at night, toiling away for hours, or offer new forms of creative potential at our fingertips that was not as accessible or immediate before. For many, this technology is hailed as the key to unlocking more leisure time, to be spent however we choose. However, as we consider to what degree we wish to lean into this future, it is important to consider the subtle but profound dangers that come with it. From the loss of human creativity and ingenuity to the increasing fixation on technology itself, AI may not be the liberating force some hope it could be. Instead, it might be taking us down a path of reduced self-expression, diminished innovation, and a deeper entanglement with digital distractions.
The Erosion of Creativity
One of the most significant risks posed by AI is its potential to erode human creativity. Creativity is what sets us apart from machines; it’s our ability to think, imagine, and invoke spirit in ways that go beyond patterns and algorithms. As AI tools become more sophisticated, they are increasingly tasked with solving problems, generating ideas, and even creating art. While AI can certainly assist in these processes, there is a danger that we will become overly reliant on computing tools, allowing machines to take over areas where human ingenuity once thrived.
For instance, AI can now compose music, write articles, design graphics, and draft code. While these advances are interesting, they raise a fundamental question: if machines are doing more of the thinking and creating, what happens to human creativity? Will we lose the ability to innovate ourselves, relying instead on a narrowing set of global data and algorithms to do the work for us? Over time, our minds and spirits may atrophy in the very skills that once allowed us to express ourselves and solve problems in novel ways. Instead of challenging ourselves to think outside the box, we may fall into the trap of letting the box do the thinking for us. And bear witness to the walls of that box closing in on us as our challenges stemming from reduced human cooperation, engagement and creativity increase. Ominous!
The Illusion of Free Time
Another major concern about the evolution of machine learning and computing is the illusion it creates regarding “free time.” We are often told that as AI takes over routine tasks, we will be freed up to focus on more important or fulfilling activities. This sounds appealing, but the reality is much more complicated. For many, the extra time that technology provides doesn’t result in meaningful pursuits but rather leads to a deeper addiction in digital distractions.
The promise of AI is that it will allow us to regain time lost to mundane tasks like programming, scheduling, sorting through emails, or managing finances. However, the additional hours created by these technological “solutions” often don’t lead to more time spent on hobbies, creative endeavors, or relaxation. Instead, they are quickly consumed by passive activities like watching more TV, scrolling through social media videos, or engaging in online discussions. These activities might feel like an easy way to unwind, but they offer little in terms of intellectual stimulation or personal growth.
Rather than spending more time on activities that enrich our lives, we risk replacing one form of mindless consumption with another. Social media platforms, driven by algorithms, are designed to keep us hooked, making it harder to break free and pursue more fulfilling activities. Instead of engaging in face-to-face conversations, going for a hike, reading a book, or learning a new skill, many of us are absorbed by endless streams of content that do nothing to improve our well-being or foster our creativity. Worse yet, in an age of increasing geopolitical turmoil and apparent reductions in empathy, compassion and collaboration, it is doubtful that further devolution into reliance on technology will course correct us or solve our problems.
The Fixation on Technology
At the heart of this issue is our increasing fixation on technology itself. AI, for all of its perceived potential, is not a neutral force. It shapes the way we interact with the world, and its rapid evolution can create an overwhelming sense of urgency to stay current with algorithmically reinforced trends. As new tools emerge, we are encouraged to integrate them into every aspect of our lives—from work and communication to entertainment and personal development.
This constant push toward technological adoption can lead to a form of dependency, where we begin to trust machines to make decisions for us, manage our time, and guide our actions. In many ways, AI represents a shift from human agency to technological determinism, where the tools we create begin to define how we live, think, and interact with each other. Over time, we may lose sight of what it means to engage with the world as humans, not as users of machines. Also ominous!
Moreover, there’s the risk of AI and other technologies exacerbating social inequalities and dissolving societal fabrics. Those who are unable or unwilling to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology could find themselves left behind (or perhaps elated!), further alienated from the supposed rosier future that AI and tech oligarchy affords the elites. As society continues to revolve around technology, the gap between those who can access and harness these tools and those who cannot may continue to widen.
The Misnomer that is “Artificial Intelligence”
Personally, I rarely use the term “artificial intelligence” or AI. I agree with Jaron Lanier that the term appears to be a misnomer, and the attribution of properties to machines that are neither accurate nor wise. In 2023, Lanier wrote an opinion piece on The New Yorker titled, “There is no A.I.”. It was a cautionary perspective from a long-time tech insider and philosopher.
In a new episode of the Gray Area podcast with Sean Illing, Lanier further argues that we should altogether stop comparing ourselves with computing and AI.
A Better Balanced Approach
The key to navigating this age of fixation on and anthropomorphizing of computers lies not in rejecting it outright, but in fostering a more balanced and intentional relationship with technology. Tools are great to have, but I like to get in and out of Home Depot fast. We must resist the allure of total technological reliance and the constant hype around the next big thing. Instead, we should focus on using computing to complement human abilities, not replace them. Technology should be a tool that enhances our creativity, fosters human connections, and helps us lead more fulfilling lives, rather than something that numbs our minds and drains our time.
As we move forward, it’s important to ask ourselves: How can we engage with technology in a way that respects and nurtures our creativity? How can we avoid falling into the trap of mindless consumption and instead make space for personal growth, meaningful connections, and true innovation?
About the Author: Jacob Aman
