Yesterday, I watched the movie, Terminator. Not so much for Arnie’s one-liners or the 80s special effects, but it got me thinking about how AI has evolved since the days of Skynet. Far from plotting our demise, it’s helping us order takeaways and making our work lives easier. So, breathe a sigh of relief; the machines are friendly – at least for now.
Now, let’s imagine this. An AI follows you throughout your day, assisting with tasks and engaging in surprisingly deep and contextual conversation. No, you’re not thinking of Jarvis; you’re glimpsing into the rapidly-approaching reality, thanks to the exciting advancements in AI technology, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Therefore, we need to ask how this AI is reshaping human interactions, how it influences our social behaviours and the sociological implications of this shift.
The Emergence of AI and Chatbots: Laying the Groundwork
We’ve journeyed a long way since the dawn of artificial intelligence. AI-powered entities, like chatbots and virtual assistants, are no longer foreign concepts; they’ve blended into our everyday lives. Think of your interactions with Siri or Alexa. Now, envision something even more advanced. ChatGPT’s ability to generate human-like text and grasp context sets a new precedent in the AI world. I once asked it to write a poem in the voice of Donald Trump, and it was so good, really good, the best poem to have ever existed!
The Evolution of Human Interaction: AI’s Influential Role
Our social behaviours are changing, and AI plays a considerable part in this shift. With AI weaving into our daily routines, communication patterns evolve. Sherry Turkle, in her book “Alone Together” (2011), discussed the risk of increased isolation as AI starts to fill human roles. ChatGPT offers company, answers queries, and presents solutions, sometimes bypassing the need for human contact. The other night I ended up discussing my favourite Marvel movies with ChatGPT instead of texting a friend – don’t judge. AI didn’t have any personal preferences or feelings; it reminded me of my ex!
The Upsides of ChatGPT in Enhancing Communication
It’s hard to ignore the numerous benefits AI, like ChatGPT, brings. These technologies save us time, process massive data, and provide round-the-clock support. I confess I delegate a fair share of my work to AI. This technological revolution also aids individuals with disabilities, providing more independent living. For instance, AI chatbots assist people with speech or hearing impairments to communicate more efficiently, breaking barriers in ways unimaginable before. Perhaps AI could help with the rampant inequality that exists in the health sector.
Unpacking the Sociological Dilemma of AI Communication
Nonetheless, reliance on AI introduces a unique set of challenges. Turkle cautions us of “emotional dislocation” when we substitute human connections with AI. Although ChatGPT convincingly simulates human conversation, it lacks our emotional comprehension. You might recall the backlash Amazon faced when their AI recruitment tool showed bias against women, highlighting concerns about AI misuse.
Amazon Bias
For those of you that don’t, in 2018, it was reported that Amazon had developed an AI recruitment tool to identify the best job candidates by observing patterns in resumes submitted to the company over a 10-year period. However, because the tech industry is predominantly male, the majority of these resumes came from men. Consequently, AI learned to favour male candidates over female ones. It downgraded resumes that included the word “women’s,” such as “women’s chess club captain.” It also gave lower scores to graduates of two all-women’s colleges.
When Amazon discovered this bias, it attempted to correct it. However, they couldn’t guarantee that the system wouldn’t develop other forms of bias. As a result, Amazon reportedly abandoned the project. This incident serves as a stark reminder that AI systems can inadvertently learn and perpetuate existing biases. It highlights the importance of carefully designing and auditing AI systems to ensure they promote fairness and equality.
The Balance Between AI and Human Interaction
Despite these challenges, it’s crucial to understand that AI and human interaction aren’t mutually exclusive. AI tools like ChatGPT enhance human connections rather than replace them. Sociologist Manuel Castells, in his “Network Society” theory, proposed that technology could foster new social interaction forms. In fact, online platforms powered by AI have connected people globally during the pandemic, supporting shared experiences in a time of isolation.
The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of Human Interaction
Looking ahead, AI will likely continue expanding its role in our daily interactions. AI experts like Kai-Fu Lee predict that as these technologies evolve, their integration into our lives will become more seamless. It’s the balance between AI and human interaction that will shape not only our interpersonal relationships but our relationship with technology itself. However, will AI ever be able to share a pint with me?
And finally…
The advent of AI embodied in technologies like ChatGPT, is transforming our social dynamics. As we navigate this evolving landscape, our focus should be on using AI to bolster, not replace, human interactions. As this AI journey continues, how will it impact our social norms and behaviours? Can we strike a balance between the convenience of AI and the irreplaceable value of human connection? This ongoing dialogue regarding AI’s sociological impact is one we must all engage in. Let’s start now – share your thoughts and experiences with AI. How has AI technology like ChatGPT affected your daily interactions and social habits?
