In CAI Currents, The American Psychoanalyst
Blink your eyes and you’ll miss yet another release of an even more sophisticated AI. But that’s not all good. These accelerating technological advances are making many feel like they are being taken hostage. They feel pressured to keep up and use AI even while uncomfortably aware of significant downsides, especially the way AI can co-opt human attachment. And the fact that our social media–fueled devices are co-opting human attention makes things worse.
In fact, poll after poll shows mistrust and fear of AI. Pew Research found that while about half of US adults are using chatbots, including young adults, half of them actually expect negative consequences. Worries about the misuse of their personal information were common. According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center, 42% of US adults surveyed expect somewhat or very negative outcomes. The favored solution is more regulation.
And lest you think all this is just technophobic handwringing, consider a study out of MIT. It demonstrated how extensive AI use leads to diminished critical thinking skills. AI’s human costs are real.
Plus, the seductive power of our devices adds to our AI love-hate relationship. Both emerging research and my own clinical experience shows how the smartphone-directed refrain “I just can’t quit you” is in effect even for those motivated to exercise their own agency over their devices.