Intro.
Recently, I asked that question on Quora, but despite many reads, I did not receive the expected number of answers. The question was:
“With AI playing a bigger and bigger role in how we experience the internet, what can we do to stay in control of our online lives while still making the most of the benefits AI may offer?”
I am going to argue that to some extent we are Digital Citizens in our internet-dependent everyday lives. If that is true, then we certainly need strategies for asserting agency in an AI-Influenced World.
We need to learn and practice how to look and act beyond so-called “Black Box”. It will allow us (I mean me and you), to keep AI from excessively controlling our online lives. Also, remember there are usually people behind AI with ideas and particular interests. So, AI is not acting autonomously by itself, at least not yet.
The key elements I would aim to capture in this article are:
The growing prominence and influence of AI online.
The importance of maintaining control and agency as users.
Practical, actionable strategies for preserving digital autonomy.
So, let’s go to the business of dealing with AI.
In the age of AI ascendance, we must learn how to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI, safeguard our privacy and data, cultivate essential digital literacy skills, and strongly advocate for the ethical development of AI technologies.
It is easy to say, sounds almost like a mantra, but…
The internet has become an integrated part of our daily lives, reimagining completely how we work, learn, socialise, and access almost all information. At the core of this digital transformation is the super quick and powerful advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In a multiple form. From local and personalised recommendations to automated content curation, or global interactions. AI is dictating an ever-increasing role in modelling our online experiences and presence.
I dare to say, AI is slowly but steadily becoming a part of us.
You can like it or not, but a fact is a fact.
While these AI-powered tools and services can offer unprecedented convenience and efficiency, they also raise important questions about user agency and digital autonomy. As AI models become more sophisticated and pervasive, there is an increasing risk that our online lives could become overly AI-influenced, or even AI-dominated. We may land completely mesmerised and guided as a car following a GPS direction by these intelligent, highly anthropomorphised algorithms.
Also, and very often, AI is incorporated into software or apps you are using and run in stealth mode under the bonnet.
I guess, still not everyone is aware of that.
Do not think I am writing another conspiracy theory – I exactly know what I am talking about. On top of that, I like AI!
Who knows me better, knows one of my recent sayings: I like AI, and I think AI likes me. I hope it will stay that way.
I see AI as a partner, more than super advanced tool. But it will only work for our benefit if we learn more about AI, how it operates, some details about the design, and which main interest it is representing. Ours, its designers, owners, or all of us.
It is not the easiest task I am aware, but I can not see other, or better ways to deal with it.
We all have the choices at least till now, to learn, practice, be sharp, and be aware. Otherwise, we will act like common public transport “mobile-zombies” in never-ending binge-scrolling, touching, and binge-watching. Whatever they feed you with, to model your mind, occupy your free and productive time, and finally stuff your brain with mostly rubbish.
Almost every day I see the vast majority of people of all ages with at least one mobile in hand. Some got two plus even a laptop to a company with.
All are deeply submerged in limitless searches. Search for What?
Often, I ask myself.
They are steadily losing all abilities of independent thinking, judgements, and even their own desire. Algorithms and the next generation of marketers always know better what they should think and want to know.
If you want to be the real You, you must start thinking!
I feel sorry for them, and I am trying hard to not become a one of them. The same time I am promoting learning and using emerging technologies.
Almost all day if not attending an event or conference I spend in front of at least 3 to 4 screens plus one mobile. So how come I am not getting zombified?
My wife said I am a zombie too. Am I?
Forgive me my ignorance but I think I am not, at least not to this extent.
Part of the reason may be, that I was born in the middle of 60s in a country with a strong need for trustworthy information. We were constantly fighting for our independence and looking for reliable sources of information. Like many of my friends, I was avoiding brainwashing at school, and politically correct content. I also was lucky enough to have good teachers, excellent professors, and authentic mentors.
They were my genuine leaders, so I followed them.
I think it was working for me, so I am recommending it to you.
Just look for people who can prove that they know what they are doing and learn from them how to exercise your rights for digital fairness and personal independence.
Additionally, I know it may sound a little bit bonkers, but even AI models, (AI-agents or conversational AI) may assist you with building a decent level of valuable knowledge. Unfortunately, you will still need to acquire decent prompting abilities.
I mean what to ask, who/where to ask, and how to ask!
As I said before, to develop a proper partnership with AI we need constantly educate ourselves. When we are up-to-date with a clear and sharp mind and full of knowledge, we can stay in the Human-AI loop as a fully qualified and equipped partner.
Otherwise, that relationship may sucks.
We may become an easy target to all sorts of things, which are far beyond the scope in this article.
Let’s back to the art of “Mastering the AI Balancing Act”.
We need to develop a habit of securing the benefits while preserving digital autonomy.
This is a critical challenge that digital citizens must be proactive in addressing. After all, the Internet was built on principles of openness, free expression, and user emancipation.
Allowing bad actors with the help of AI to erode those foundational values would be a profound loss for individuals and society as a whole. A big blow to Humanity IMO! Thus, let’s prevent it from happening together.
Maintaining your digital autonomy never will be an easy task, but it is a battle worth fighting. The must to do Strategy, I guess.
Only aiming for a balanced, proactive approach we can safeguard your freedom and travel through the online world on our own terms.
The future of the internet may be at stake – it is the best time to think about how to take charge of it now!
“The AI Awakening “
All these short sections I wrote were focused on advice on how to maintain control over our online lives in the face of increasingly ubiquitous AI systems. But reading it only, will not help to keep us in power. We must take precise actions which will help all of us to maintain a balance between AI-powered conveniences and guaranteeing user’s personalities.
“So, proper education followed by immediate and precise actions!”
That sounds like a recipe for success.
Finally, a few extra things I may suggest:
First and foremost, we need to understand AI capabilities and limitations.
When educated and aware, we make more informed decisions about what tasks we entrust to AI and what we want to maintain control over.
We need to prioritise privacy and data protection as soon as possible.
We must stay constantly vigilant about the data we share with AI systems and online platforms. Also, demand the highest standard of privacy controls and data protection measures. Pulling-out settings, blockchain-like transparency around data usage, and the ability to access and delete our personal information should be granted as the norm.
Every day cultivate digital literacy.
Achieving strong digital literacy skills – the ability to think critically and independently about online information, spot misinformation, and understand how algorithms and AI can reshape our human being.
Always advocate for ethical AI development.
We all need to encourage policymakers, tech companies, and the AI research community to prioritise the development of AI systems that respect human autonomy, fairness, and transparency. Regulations and industry standards will be key.
It is paramount to maintain a balanced approach.
While ripping the rewards of AI-powered tools and services, we should also carve out intentional “AI-free” spaces and activities in our lives. Finding the right balance may be an ongoing challenge, but a necessary one.
It is a complex issue, but one that is crucial for preserving our digital freedom and self-determination in the years to come.
My wish.
My goal in this article was to clearly communicate the value of being properly educated, mentally sharp, and fully awakened & aware. I hope you were able to build a logical flow through this article, which was planned to guide you from foundational knowledge to practical strategies and bigger picture from many perspectives on the future of the open internet.
I also hope my way of putting it together was working for You, but as Romans often says, “All roads lead to Rome as long as you moving”.
Cheers, the Author.
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