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Living with AI: The invisible force shaping our lives

October 5th, 2023 By Gene Galin


Pittsboro, NC – In our rapidly evolving world, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, impacting nearly every facet of our lives. During the middle portion of his presentation on September 14, William Ammerman, author of “The Invisible Brand,”at 79West delved deeper into the four key technological trends powered by AI: Personalization of Information, Science as Persuasion, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He unfolded before the audience present how AI is transforming our daily interactions, decision-making processes, and even our perceptions of reality.



Personalization of Information

The World Wide Web revolutionized the way we consume information, and AI has taken personalization to new heights. Each of us carries a pocket-sized portal to the digital world, commonly referred to as smartphones, and these devices serve as mirrors reflecting our preferences, desires, and personalities. When you visit a website or ask a question, the information you receive is tailored precisely to you. This level of personalization is a fundamental shift in how we access and interact with information.


Consider the scenario: You and your neighbor both search for the same topic online, but the results you receive are strikingly different. This phenomenon illustrates the power of AI algorithms that analyze your online behavior and preferences to provide you with content designed to capture your attention and align with your interests. The implications are profound, as this tailored information can shape our views, beliefs, and choices, often in subtle ways.


Science as Persuasion

In the not-so-distant past, marketers relied on focus groups and creative strategies to influence consumer behavior. Today, AI algorithms have transformed persuasion into a precise science. From enticing you to purchase a particular cereal to keeping you engaged with your favorite streaming service, algorithms work behind the scenes to influence your decisions.


For instance, when you log into Netflix, the recommendations you receive are not random; they are carefully curated based on your viewing history and preferences. These algorithms are designed to keep you hooked, providing content that aligns with your taste and preferences, thus maximizing your engagement. The algorithms are everywhere, subtly molding your choices and behaviors.


Machine Learning

AI’s machine learning capabilities are more than just predictive tools; they are prescriptive, actively shaping our actions and outcomes. These algorithms are finely tuned to keep us glued to our devices, offering information that provides pleasure and keeps us coming back for more.


Whether it’s through social media notifications, tailored news feeds, or personalized product recommendations, machine learning algorithms are engineered to make us stay. The more we engage, the more data they collect, further refining their ability to persuade and keep us immersed in the digital world.


Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Natural Language Processing

Perhaps the most striking development in AI is its ability to engage with us in natural language. We’ve moved beyond typing queries into search engines; now, we can have conversations with our devices. This human-computer interaction feels eerily familiar, as AI systems respond in ways that mimic human conversation.


Voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa have become integral parts of our lives. We ask them questions, request jokes, and even seek emotional support from these inanimate speakers. This interaction challenges our perception of what it means to relate to technology. A child’s declaration of love for a digital assistant, as witnessed by the author, exemplifies the deep emotional connections we can form with these devices.


The Intersection of Persuasion and Personalization

The collision of the science of persuasion and the technology of personalized messaging is occurring at an unprecedented pace. The result is a landscape where AI influences our choices, behaviors, and even our beliefs. While these developments are fascinating and convenient, they also come with significant ethical considerations.


As AI evolves, it is increasingly likely that people will turn to this technology for answers to profound questions that affect human lives. Should we trust AI to guide us on matters of spirituality, ethics, and morality? It’s essential to recognize that AI, while powerful, is not infallible. It is more akin to a parrot than a genius, echoing our desires and biases.


Navigating the AI Age

The impact of AI on our lives is undeniable, and it’s only going to grow. As we live in a world where AI personalizes, persuades, learns from us, and converses with us, we must approach this technology with a critical eye. It’s crucial to remember that AI is a tool, not an oracle of truth.


In our quest to harness the benefits of AI, we must also guard against its potential to manipulate and shape our thoughts and actions. We should be mindful of the invisible force at play, recognize the boundaries between technology and humanity, and make informed choices about when and how we rely on AI for guidance.


As we navigate the AI age, it’s essential to stay informed, ask questions, and engage in conversations about the ethical implications of AI. This technology is not a passive force but a dynamic and evolving one that will continue to shape our world. By understanding the AI trends at work in our lives, we can actively participate in shaping a future where AI serves humanity’s best interests.


Ammerman concludes that the invisible force of AI is reshaping the way we interact with information, make decisions, and relate to technology. While AI offers tremendous potential, it also raises important questions about ethics, personalization, and the boundaries between humans and machines. As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, Ammerman wants us to remain vigilant and thoughtful, ensuring that we harness this technology for the greater good of humanity.


 

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