We Are Pregnant with AI: The Genius of Hesitation and the Path Forward
Sep 12, 2024
"The faster we race toward the future, the more likely we are to trip over the present." Scott McArthur (Greece, 2021)
We stand at a critical juncture in human history-one where technology and survival intersect more profoundly than ever before. I often describe our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as being "pregnant with AI." This metaphor captures the feeling of inevitability surrounding AI's future while underscoring the uncertainty and responsibility that come with it. As I reflect on this moment, I am reminded of the world I envisioned in The Half Chronicles*, where humanity is divided by technology yet united in its will to survive. The central tension in the stories reflects the choices we must make today in our relationship with AI.
Just as The Half Chronicles explores the delicate balance between technological progress and human resilience, we must now think deeply about how we will use AI and what kind of future we want it to create. History has shown that genius often hesitates-and rightfully so. It is in these moments of reflection that we can shape the course of our technological evolution, ensuring it works for the survival and thriving of humanity, rather than against it.
AI Skills Are Required, But So Is Wisdom
Much like the characters in The Half Chronicles must adapt to the rapidly advancing technologies of their world, today's workforce must acquire AI skills to stay relevant. We are seeing more "Go moments," where AI accomplishes what was once thought impossible-transforming industries, improving efficiency, and redefining roles.
Where the rush to implement advanced technologies created unintended consequences, we too must proceed with caution. Skills are crucial, but wisdom and ethical reflection are just as important. What do we really want from AI? How will we use it responsibly? In The Half Chronicles, humanity faces critical decisions about how to use technology to survive; and we face those same choices today.
Without careful consideration, the consequences could be dire. We need to ensure that AI enhances human capabilities, rather than leading us down a path of dependence, disconnection, or even societal fragmentation, as explored in the divided future world of The Half Chronicles.
The Danger of "Platfall" and Information Overload
There is a constant tension between technological progress and societal decline. Similarly, in our current reality, one of the most pressing dangers we face is what I call "Platfall"-the degradation of digital platforms into mechanisms that prioritise profit over user well-being, often leading to the hollowing out of once-trusted systems. This mirrors the idea of enshittification, where platforms and systems deteriorate as their priorities shift away from serving the public good.
We see societies that have become overly reliant on technology, to the point of losing their sense of identity and control. Our world today risks the same fate if we allow AI to become dominated by short-term gains rather than long-term vision. AI could easily become another tool in the platform economy, contributing to issues like information overload, manipulation, and the loss of genuine human interaction. In the book, survival is only achieved when technology is used in service of human needs, not as a substitute for them-a lesson we must heed.
Losing Faith in Institutions and the Post-Truth World
One of the major themes in The Half Chronicles is the breakdown of trust in institutions and the shift toward more localized, self-reliant communities. This loss of faith is something we're seeing today in the face of AI-driven disinformation and the erosion of truth in public discourse. AI has the potential to accelerate the decline of institutional trust, especially as deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation make it harder for people to discern truth from fiction.
Much like the survivors in The Half Chronicles, who must navigate a world where traditional structures have failed, we are increasingly living in a post-truth environment. AI is both a contributor to this problem and a potential solution-but only if we use it wisely. It is crucial that AI systems are transparent and accountable, with mechanisms in place to preserve truth and rebuild trust in institutions.
A Future Divided by Technology, United by Survival
In The Half Chronicles, humanity's survival is ultimately secured not through the rejection of technology, but through the careful integration of it into a balanced system that respects both nature and human ingenuity. This theme of being divided by technology, yet united by survival reflects the choices we face today. AI has the potential to divide us, creating a world where some thrive while others fall behind, overwhelmed by technological change. However, it also has the potential to unite us-if used thoughtfully-to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges.
The key is to approach AI with the same caution and reflective genius shown by those in The Half Chronicles. We must ask ourselves the hard questions now, before it's too late: How do we ensure that AI contributes to human flourishing rather than division? How can we maintain a sense of balance between technological innovation and human values? Just as the characters in The Half Chronicles learned, survival in this new world depends on unity, wisdom, and a shared commitment to using technology for the common good.
Calm Reflection and Thoughtful Action
We are pregnant with AI, and just as in The Half Chronicles, we must carefully consider the future we are creating. Calm reflection and thoughtful action are essential as we navigate the complexities of AI integration. This moment of hesitation is not a weakness-it is a strength, a necessary pause before we make the leap into the AI-driven future.
By learning from the lessons of the past and the speculative futures in The Half Chronicles, we can ensure that AI becomes a tool for survival and human progress, rather than a force for division and decline.
* The Half Chronicles (coming soon) explores a divided future where humanity's survival hinges on balancing the power of technology with the wisdom of restraint."
References
1. Sweller, J. (1994). Cognitive Load Theory, Learning Difficulty, and Instructional Design, Learning and Instruction.
2. Carr, N. (2011). The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, W.W. Norton & Company.
3. Mayer, R. E. (2005). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning, Cambridge University Press.
4. Nichols, T. (2017). The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters, Oxford University Press.
5. Vaidhyanathan, S. (2018). Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy, Oxford University Press.
Originally published here https://scottmcarthur.substack.com/p/we-are-pregnant-with-ai-the-genius
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