It’s becoming almost impossible to ignore artificial intelligence. We ask ChatGPT what to cook, AI is taking over more and more jobs, and even our Prime Minister has a robot write his social media posts. Yet there is another way, AI ethicist Joris Krijger argues. In the 14th episode of "Oh Ja Joh?!", the philosopher of technology explains how AI is changing our lives, and how we can regain control.
Artificial intelligence has a great impact on our lives, including in the workplace. 'People and companies are increasingly letting AI carry out knowledge work, which employees are then required to check and approve', explains Krijger. 'As a result, people’s work is becoming less meaningful and is less in line with what they consider valuable or important.' This is also known as underemployment.
ChatGPT as your therapist?
Recent research shows that 75% of people sometimes use AI as their therapist. This completely changes the way you view relationships and the world, according to Krijger. 'These systems are built as a commercial revenue model and confirm what you think and feel 24/7.' Furthermore, they can actually worsen your mental wellbeing, because a chatbot can make you feel that you no longer need "real" help.
New technology ≠progress
'The idea that new technology always leads to progress is not true', says Krijger. 'It’s about how we deal with that technology.' According to the philosopher, we need to take back control and see technology as something that can support us, rather than putting it at the centre of everything. If we don’t, we’ll lose our humanity.
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