A lot of my thinking on this subject also focuses on why these technologies are being developed, and I think you draw out so many important points in your writing.
Ruha Benjamin addresses the subject of robots in her 2019 book Race After Technology, arguing that the decision of what gets automated in the home is often classed, gendered, and raced.
I also think there are sinister undertones in that AI companions promise you the benefits of companionship without being "burdened" with any of its responsibilities.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective here, Michael. It’s so valuable and indeed, the aspect that Ruha Benjamin highlights is another significant issue to be taken into account. Regarding companions, exactly—it’s the equation of “you can have it all” for nothing in return. That “nothing” is not nothing, of course, and can come with dark consequences and costs, but most tech / AI companies (at least the big players I know of) are great at obscuring them on purpose.
There is so much here that resonates... its a reflection I think on the men who lead AI that their understanding of a human relationship can be perfectly replicated by a vast - and invariably servile - database.
i'm also thinking of how so many people increasingly feel manipulated by social media and also online dating sites - precisely the same business imperatives will of course drive AI chatbots - with far more toxic outcomes...
100%, Alistair! Thank you for sharing your view here—I, too, am deeply concerned about the leaders of the big players here and their understanding (and awareness) of these issues. Same thinking as well, re trajectory of social media and dating.
I find the whole idea of AI companions rather chilling. It just feels so empty to me- a bit like fast food and fast fashion: short-term gratification but can this type of relationship be truly nourishing?
That being said, I find myself slightly conflicted considering AI as a "sounding board" or a companion to explore ideas.
I feel you, Nikki! I too feel conflicted, and I think it’s important to voice that, so thank you. I guess with all things tech, broadly speaking, the question is how to we find a healthy balance for ourselves, how do we resist completely falling for (and becoming dependent on) hyper-convenience and instant gratification, as you framed it, how do we also make space for practicing our human relational skills that require patience, presence, and conflict resolution.
A lot of my thinking on this subject also focuses on why these technologies are being developed, and I think you draw out so many important points in your writing.
Ruha Benjamin addresses the subject of robots in her 2019 book Race After Technology, arguing that the decision of what gets automated in the home is often classed, gendered, and raced.
I also think there are sinister undertones in that AI companions promise you the benefits of companionship without being "burdened" with any of its responsibilities.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective here, Michael. It’s so valuable and indeed, the aspect that Ruha Benjamin highlights is another significant issue to be taken into account. Regarding companions, exactly—it’s the equation of “you can have it all” for nothing in return. That “nothing” is not nothing, of course, and can come with dark consequences and costs, but most tech / AI companies (at least the big players I know of) are great at obscuring them on purpose.
There is so much here that resonates... its a reflection I think on the men who lead AI that their understanding of a human relationship can be perfectly replicated by a vast - and invariably servile - database.
i'm also thinking of how so many people increasingly feel manipulated by social media and also online dating sites - precisely the same business imperatives will of course drive AI chatbots - with far more toxic outcomes...
100%, Alistair! Thank you for sharing your view here—I, too, am deeply concerned about the leaders of the big players here and their understanding (and awareness) of these issues. Same thinking as well, re trajectory of social media and dating.
That animation gave me goosebumps.
I find the whole idea of AI companions rather chilling. It just feels so empty to me- a bit like fast food and fast fashion: short-term gratification but can this type of relationship be truly nourishing?
That being said, I find myself slightly conflicted considering AI as a "sounding board" or a companion to explore ideas.
I feel you, Nikki! I too feel conflicted, and I think it’s important to voice that, so thank you. I guess with all things tech, broadly speaking, the question is how to we find a healthy balance for ourselves, how do we resist completely falling for (and becoming dependent on) hyper-convenience and instant gratification, as you framed it, how do we also make space for practicing our human relational skills that require patience, presence, and conflict resolution.