Being a Bystander? Inaction on AI Is a Luxury We Can’t Seem to Afford

We live in a rapidly changing age, filled with intense geopolitical shifts and technological advancements. The United States, previously a leader in promoting human rights and democratic values, is struggling with internal conflicts and a decline in these essential principles. Fundamental freedoms for research and academia, critical for societal progress, are under threat. At the same time, the Middle East continues to face longstanding hostilities, while the ongoing Ukraine crisis adds instability to Europe. The European Union is also experiencing a shift towards right-wing politics, fueled by nationalism. Relationships between the US and the EU are strained, especially as the US pulls back from several United Nations agencies, indicating a retreat from global cooperative efforts. Amid all this, the rise of artificial intelligence presents both promising opportunities and significant risks. With such a troubling landscape, it’s vital to advocate for the values we hold dear rather than remain passive observers.

The Bystander Effect in Today’s Digital Age

The concept of the bystander effect, recognized in social psychology, describes how individuals in a group tend to feel less personal responsibility to act during an emergency, expecting someone else will step in. This tendency already caused harm in traditional settings but is intensified in our current world. Tragic incidents like the case of Kitty Genovese in 1964 showed how this effect can play out, although subsequent discussions have scrutinized the details of her case.

Today, with the constant barrage of information flooding our screens, we might feel smaller and less impactful. The weight of global issues combined with systemic injustices fosters a sense of helplessness. This feeling of being a victim can further entrench our bystander mentality, where we focus inwardly rather than addressing outside challenges.

Key Factors Leading to Inaction

• Information Overload: The vast array of often contradictory information can lead to compassion fatigue, making it difficult to respond to crises effectively. We witness global suffering daily, leading to feelings of overwhelm.
• Digital Distance: While technology has connected us, it can also create a disconnect from actual suffering. Events frequently reach us through screens, numbing our empathy.
• Complexity and Uncertainty: The complicated nature of global issues makes it hard to see clear solutions, which can result in paralysis due to uncertainty about the potential effects of any actions.

Recognizing Agency in a Complex Environment

Agency refers to the ability to make intentional choices, which is crucial for personal fulfillment and societal contribution. It’s essential to both feel capable (“I can act”) and be motivated to act (“I want to act”). A loss of agency can lead to feelings of alienation and despair.

In today’s interconnected world, the diminishing sense of agency surfaces in various ways:

Challenges to Agency

• Online Echo Chambers: Social media platforms often create environments that reinforce our preexisting beliefs, limiting our exposure to diverse viewpoints and stifling critical thinking.
• Illusion of Participation: While online activism is valuable, it can sometimes give a false impression of meaningful involvement. Simple actions, like liking a post, may provide a brief sensation of agency without tangible outcomes.
• Dataveillance and Manipulation: The acceptance of data collection by tech firms enables them to influence consumer behavior, eroding our sense of agency as we slowly become reliant on these platforms.

Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks

AI presents a mixed bag of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, it can:

Advantages of AI

• Democratize Information: AI can help distill and highlight trustworthy information, aiding us in making informed decisions.
• Facilitate Collective Action: AI platforms enhance connection and organization among individuals with shared interests, allowing for social mobilization.
• Automate Tasks: By handling repetitive chores, AI frees our time for more meaningful activities, potentially increasing our sense of agency.

However, there are significant risks:

Disadvantages of AI

• Algorithmic Bias: If an AI is trained on biased data, it can perpetuate and heighten those biases, adversely affecting marginalized groups.
• Job Displacement: AI-driven automation could lead to job loss, contributing to economic disparity and leaving many feeling powerless.
• Loss of Skills: As we rely more on AI, we may lose important skills and knowledge, becoming increasingly dependent on technology.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Agency

It’s essential to reclaim our ability to take action, especially in this time of shifting power dynamics. The A-Frame outlines four guiding principles to help us engage effectively:

1. Awareness: Build an understanding of the factors shaping your reality, including geopolitical and technological influences.
2. Appreciation: Recognize the combined strengths of human capabilities and technology while valuing critical thinking and empathy.
3. Acceptance: Acknowledge the complexity of today’s world and focus on actionable steps where you can enact change.
4. Accountability: Be responsible for your actions and advocate for your beliefs, fostering a sense of dignity and justice in your community.

These principles can empower us to resist the erosion of agency and create a future where technology works for everyone’s benefit.