AI Fridays: How AI Destroys Democratic Intuitions
- Jordanthecounselor
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
"In this essay, we make one simple point: AI systems are built to function in ways that degrade and are likely to destroy our crucial civic institutions. The affordances of AI systems have the effect of eroding expertise, short-circuiting decision-making, and isolating people from each other. These systems are anathema to the kind of evolution, transparency, cooperation, and accountability that give vital institutions their purpose and sustainability. In short, current AI systems are a death sentence for civic institutions, and we should treat them as such.
There's an idea I'm seeing pop up more and more. It goes like this: "AI won't destroy the world; it will just undermine democracy."
In a world where intelligence is abundant, we no longer need experts (and education flails).
In a world where information is easy to produce, it's also easy to fake—misleading or confusing the public.
In a world where AI can talk to you 24/7, you may no longer feel the need for human relationships.
I don't know if this is true, but I find it a much more believable theory than "AI will hack the nuclear codes."
Unlike other doomsday scenarios, this isn't likely to happen all at once. If it occurs, it will likely unfold slowly over the coming decades.
Still, I think it's a trend worth watching.
If you'd like to learn more about what I think will happen over the coming years, you can read my article here.
Starting Feb 6th I'm giving a training on resolving complex grief.
We'll be watching a tape of Bruce Ecker working with a mother after the tragic loss of her son.
You can learn more below.
Jordan Harris Jordan Harris, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC-S, received his Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe. He is a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Arkansas, USA. In his clinical work, he enjoys working with couples. He also runs a blog on deliberate practice for therapists and counselors at Jordanthecounselor.com
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