The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistants: Will They Empower or Erode Human Confidence?
Imagine a future where a discreet AI companion resides in your ear, subtly enhancing your every interaction. This superpower could ensure you never stumble over a name, always deliver a witty response, and instantly recognize deception in others. However, this isn’t a solo advantage. Everyone around you would possess a similar AI, prompting a essential question: are you connecting with the person before you, or their AI proxy? Many experts predict body-worn AI assistants will amplify our feelings of capability and power. but this outcome isn’t guaranteed. These technologies could equally diminish your self-assurance and sense of impact. Human intelligence is, after all, a core element of our identity, something we inherently value. Consider the possibility of constantly deferring to an AI, feeling intellectually overshadowed.Is this true empowerment, or simply having your experiences constantly “botsplained” in real-time?The Risk of replacing, Not Augmenting
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to building technologies that expand human abilities. From pioneering work in augmented reality to developing conversational agents that boost team performance, I firmly believe technology can be a powerful enhancer. however, with the rise of artificial superintelligence (ASI), a critical line exists between augmentation and replacement. we must be incredibly thoughtful about how we deploy ASI. Or else, we risk crossing that line, diminishing the very qualities that make us human. Here’s a breakdown of the potential pitfalls: Erosion of Confidence: Constant AI assistance could lead to a reliance that undermines your own cognitive skills. Diminished Impact: If you always have the ”right” answer provided by AI, your own contributions may feel less significant. Authenticity Concerns: The presence of AI intermediaries raises questions about the genuineness of human connection. The “Botsplainer” Effect: Real-time AI commentary could feel condescending and stifle independent thought.Navigating the Future of AI Assistance
The key lies in prioritizing augmentation over automation. We need to design AI assistants that support your intelligence, not supplant it. This means: focusing on Skill Enhancement: AI should help you learn, grow, and refine your abilities, not simply provide answers. Maintaining Human Agency: You should always be in control, deciding when and how to utilize AI assistance. Promoting Critical Thinking: AI should encourage you to question, analyze, and form your own opinions. Prioritizing Authentic Connection: We must find ways to preserve the value of genuine human interaction in an AI-mediated world. The future with ubiquitous AI assistants is not predetermined. By proactively addressing these concerns and prioritizing human-centered design, we can harness the power of AI to truly empower ourselves, rather than diminish what makes us uniquely human. Louis rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland research and Unanimous AI.With the release OpenAI’s Chat GPT-5, the world is one step closer to unleashing a general-purpose superintelligence that can cognitively outperform each of us by a wide margin. As this day nears, I am increasingly worried that we are woefully unprepared for the shockwaves this will send through society — and it’s probably not for the reasons you expect.
Try this little experiment: Ask anyone you know if they are concerned about AI, and they will likely share a variety of fears,from massive disruptions in the job market and the reality-bending impacts of deepfakes,to the unprecedented power being concentrated in a handful of large AI companies. In other words, most people have never honestly imagined what their life will really feel like the day after superintelligence becomes widely available.
Why superintelligence could demoralize us
As context, artificial superintelligence (ASI) refers to systems that can outthink humans on most fronts, from planning and reasoning to problem-solving, strategic thinking and raw creativity. These systems will solve complex problems in a fraction of a second that might take the smartest human experts days, weeks or even years to work through. This terrifies me, and it’s not because of the doomsday scenarios that dominate our public discourse.
No, I am worried about the opposite risks — the dangers that could emerge in the best-case scenarios where superintelligence is helpful and benevolent. Such an ASI will have many positive impacts on society, but it could also be deeply demoralizing to our core identity as humans. After all, the world will feel different when each of us knows that a smarter, faster, more creative intelligence is available on our mobile devices than between our own ears.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistants: Will They Empower or Diminish Us?
The future is rapidly approaching where a discreet AI companion in your ear could become commonplace. Imagine never forgetting a name, always having the perfect response, and instantly knowing when someone isn’t being truthful. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a potential reality fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. Though, this seemingly utopian scenario comes with a complex set of challenges that we must address now. Everyone around you will likely have a similar AI assistant, subtly guiding their interactions. This raises a fundamental question: are you engaging with the person before you, or with the AI shaping their responses? It forces us to reconsider the very nature of authentic connection in a world mediated by smart machines.Many believe these body-worn AI assistants will amplify our capabilities, making us feel more powerful and effective. But a less optimistic outcome is equally plausible. These technologies could erode our self-confidence and diminish our sense of agency. Human intelligence has always been the defining characteristic of our species, a source of immense pride.What happens when we begin to defer to AI, feeling intellectually outmatched in our daily lives? Is true empowerment found in an AI that constantly “botsplains” your experiences in real-time? This is a critical question we need to grapple with.A Lifelong Pursuit of human Augmentation
I’ve dedicated my career to building technologies that enhance human abilities. my early work in augmented reality, followed by my current research into conversational agents designed to improve team performance, stems from a deep conviction that technology can unlock human potential. However, there’s a precarious line between augmentation and replacement, especially when dealing with artificial superintelligence (ASI). We must be incredibly thoughtful about how we deploy ASI. Otherwise, we risk crossing that line, inadvertently diminishing the very qualities that make us human. Here’s a breakdown of the potential pitfalls: Erosion of confidence: Constant AI guidance can lead to self-doubt and a reliance on external validation. Diminished Creativity: Over-reliance on AI-generated responses may stifle original thought and innovative problem-solving. Loss of Authenticity: Interactions become curated and less genuine, impacting the quality of our relationships. Skill Degradation: We may lose essential cognitive skills - memory, quick thinking, social intelligence – if we consistently outsource them to AI. These aren’t merely hypothetical concerns. They represent a fundamental shift in how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world.Navigating the Future responsibly
The development of AI assistants is inevitable,and holds immense promise. But we must prioritize human-centered design. This means focusing on technologies that support our abilities, rather than supplanting them. Consider these principles: Openness: Users should always be aware when AI is influencing their interactions. Control: Individuals should have the ability to customize the level of AI assistance they receive. Focus on Skill Development: AI should be used to teach and train us, not simply do things for us. Ethical Considerations: We need robust ethical frameworks to address issues of bias, privacy, and manipulation. The future isn’t predetermined. By proactively addressing these challenges, we can harness the power of AI to create a world where technology truly empowers humanity, rather than diminishing it. It’s a conversation we must have now, before the line between augmentation and replacement becomes irrevocably blurred.Louis Rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland Research and Unanimous AI.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistants: Will They Empower or Erode Human confidence?
imagine a future where a discreet AI companion resides in your ear, subtly enhancing your every interaction.This superpower could ensure you never stumble over a name, always deliver a witty response, and instantly recognize deception in others. Though, this isn’t a solo advantage.Everyone around you would possess a similar AI, prompting a fundamental question: are you connecting with the person before you, or their AI proxy? Many experts predict body-worn AI assistants will amplify our feelings of capability and power. But this outcome isn’t guaranteed. These technologies could equally diminish your self-assurance and sense of impact. Human intelligence is, after all, a core element of our identity, something we inherently value. Consider the possibility of constantly deferring to an AI,feeling intellectually overshadowed. Is this true empowerment,or simply being botsplained through life in real-time?The Risk of Replacing,Not Augmenting
Throughout my career,I’ve dedicated myself to building technologies that expand human abilities. From pioneering work in augmented reality to developing conversational agents that boost team performance, I firmly believe technology can be a powerful enhancer. However, with the rise of artificial superintelligence (ASI), a critical line exists between augmentation and replacement. We must be incredibly thoughtful about how we integrate ASI into our lives. Otherwise, we risk crossing that line, diminishing the very qualities that make us human. Here’s a breakdown of the potential pitfalls: erosion of Confidence: Constant AI assistance could lead to a reliance that undermines your own cognitive skills. Diminished Impact: If you always have the “right” answer provided by AI, your own contributions may feel less significant. Authenticity Concerns: The presence of AI intermediaries raises questions about the genuineness of human connection. The “Botsplaining” Effect: Real-time AI commentary could feel condescending and stifle independent thought.Navigating the Future of AI Assistance
The key lies in intentional design and deployment. We need to prioritize technologies that support human intelligence, not supplant it. This means: Focusing on Collaboration: AI should act as a partner, offering suggestions and insights, but ultimately leaving decisions to you. Promoting Skill Development: AI tools should encourage learning and growth, rather than providing ready-made answers. Prioritizing transparency: It’s crucial to understand how an AI arrives at its conclusions, fostering trust and accountability. Maintaining Human Agency: You should always retain control over your interactions and decisions, even with AI assistance. The future with ubiquitous AI assistants is not predetermined. It’s a future we are actively creating.By prioritizing human-centered design and mindful implementation, we can harness the power of AI to truly enhance our lives – without sacrificing the essence of what makes us human.louis Rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland Research and Unanimous AI.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistants: Will They Empower or Diminish Us?
The future is rapidly approaching where a discreet AI companion in your ear could become commonplace. Imagine never forgetting a name, always having the perfect response, and instantly knowing when someone isn’t being truthful. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a potential reality fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. Though, this seemingly utopian scenario comes with a complex set of challenges that we must address now.Everyone around you will likely have a similar AI assistant, subtly guiding their interactions. This raises a fundamental question: are you truly connecting with the person in front of you, or with the AI shaping their responses? It’s a thought-provoking scenario, highlighting the blurring lines between human interaction and algorithmic influence. Many believe these body-worn AI assistants will boost our confidence and capabilities.But a less optimistic outcome is equally plausible. Consider this: human intelligence is what defines us, what we value most. What happens when we begin to defer to AI,feeling intellectually overshadowed? Is that empowerment,or simply being told what to think and say?The Risk of Outsourcing Our Minds
This isn’t about fearing technology; it’s about understanding its potential impact on what makes us human. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to building technologies that enhance human abilities. My early work in augmented reality aimed to overlay digital details onto our perception of the world. Currently, I’m focused on developing conversational agents designed to make teams more effective. I firmly believe technology can be a powerful force for good. Though, there’s a critical distinction between augmentation and replacement, especially when dealing with advanced AI – sometimes called Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). We must be incredibly thoughtful about how we deploy these technologies, or we risk eroding the very skills we seek to amplify.Potential Downsides to Consider
Here’s a breakdown of the potential pitfalls we face: Diminished self-Reliance: Constantly relying on an AI for answers could weaken your critical thinking and memory skills. Erosion of Confidence: If you always second-guess yourself against an AI’s suggestions, your self-assurance will likely suffer. Authenticity Concerns: Interactions could become performative,driven by AI-generated responses rather than genuine emotion and thought. The “Botsplainer” effect: An AI constantly explaining your experiences in real-time could feel condescending and disempowering. Social Disconnect: The subtle influence of AI on everyone’s behavior could create a sense of unease and distrust in social interactions.Navigating the Future Responsibly
The development of ASI is inevitable, but its impact isn’t predetermined. We have a obligation to shape this technology in a way that truly benefits humanity. This requires: Prioritizing Augmentation: Focus on AI tools that assist your thinking, rather than replacing it. Promoting Transparency: Understand how AI is influencing your interactions and be aware of its limitations. Cultivating critical Thinking: Continue to challenge yourself and develop your own independent thought processes. Fostering Human Connection: Value genuine interactions and prioritize authentic communication. I’ve spent years building tools to expand human potential. My hope is that we can harness the power of AI without sacrificing the qualities that make us uniquely human. The future isn’t something that happens to* us; it’s something we create. Let’s create a future where technology empowers us, rather than diminishes us.Louis Rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland Research and Unanimous AI.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistants: Will They Empower or Diminish Us?
The future is rapidly approaching where a discreet AI companion in your ear could become commonplace. imagine never forgetting a name, always having the perfect response, and instantly knowing when someone isn’t being truthful.This isn’t science fiction; it’s a potential reality fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence. However,this seemingly utopian scenario comes with a complex set of challenges that we must address now.Everyone around you will likely have a similar AI assistant,subtly guiding their interactions. this raises a fundamental question: are you truly connecting with the person in front of you, or with the AI shaping their responses? It’s a thought-provoking scenario, highlighting the blurring lines between human interaction and algorithmic influence.Many believe these body-worn AI assistants will boost our confidence and capabilities.But a less optimistic outcome is equally plausible. Consider this: human intelligence is what defines us, what we value most.What happens when we begin to defer to AI, feeling intellectually overshadowed? Is that empowerment, or simply being told what to think and say?The Risk of Outsourcing Our Minds
This isn’t about fearing technology; it’s about understanding its potential impact on what makes us human. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to building technologies that enhance human abilities. From pioneering work in augmented reality to developing conversational AI that strengthens teamwork, I firmly believe in technology’s power to elevate us. However, there’s a critical distinction between augmentation and replacement, especially when dealing with advanced AI. We risk crossing that line if we aren’t deliberate in how we integrate these powerful tools into our lives. Here’s a breakdown of the potential downsides: Erosion of Confidence: Constant AI guidance could diminish your self-reliance and trust in your own judgment. Diminished Impact: Relying on AI for every interaction might reduce your ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully. Authenticity Concerns: If everyone is AI-assisted, genuine connection becomes harder to achieve, fostering a sense of detachment. The “Botsplainer” Effect: Having an AI constantly explaining your experiences in real-time can feel condescending and disempowering.A Call for Thoughtful Deployment
The development of artificial superintelligence (ASI) demands careful consideration. We need to prioritize designs that complement human intelligence, not supplant it. This means focusing on tools that: Provide options, not directives: AI should offer suggestions, not dictate responses. Promote learning, not dependence: The goal should be to help you improve your skills, not to become reliant on the AI. Respect autonomy: You should always be in control of your interactions,not guided by an algorithm. Prioritize transparency: Understand how the AI is making its suggestions. I’ve spent years researching and building technologies to amplify human potential.my work with Immersion Corp, Outland Research, and Unanimous AI has consistently focused on collaboration between humans and machines. But the stakes are higher than ever. We stand at a crossroads. We can harness the power of AI to unlock new levels of human achievement, or we can inadvertently diminish the very qualities that make us unique. The choice is ours,and the time to act is now. Louis Rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland Research and Unanimous AI. Daily insights on business use cases with VB Daily. If you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI,from regulatory shifts to practical deployments,so you can share insights for maximum ROI. Read our Privacy Policy. Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here. An error occurred.So ask yourself, honestly, how will humans act in this new reality? Will we reflexively seek advice from our AI assistants as we navigate every little challenge we encounter? Or worse, will we learn to trust our AI assistants more than our own thoughts and instincts?
Wait — before you answer, you must update your mental model.currently, we engage AI through a Socratic framework that requires us to ask questions and get answers (like Captain Kirk did aboard the Enterprise in 1966). But that’s old-school thinking. We are now entering a new era in which AI assistants will be integrated into body-worn devices that are equipped with cameras and microphones, enabling AI to see what you see, hear what you hear and whisper advice into your ears without you needing to ask.
Simply put, our future will be filled with AI assistants that ride shotgun in our lives, augmenting our experiences with optimized guidance at every turn. In this world, the risk is not that we reflexively ask AI for advice before using our own brains; the risk is that we won’t need to ask – the advice will just stream into our eyes and ears, shaping our actions, influencing our decisions and solving our problems before we’ve had a chance to think for ourselves.
‘Augmented mentality’ will transform our lives
I refer to this framework as ‘augmented mentality‘ and it is indeed about to hit society at scale through AI-powered glasses, earbuds and pendants. this is the future of mobile computing,and it is already driving an arms race between Meta,Google,Samsung and Apple,as they position themselves to produce the context-aware AI devices that will replace handheld phones.
Imagine walking down the street in your town. You see a coworker heading towards you. You can’t remember his name, but your AI assistant dose. It detects your hesitation and whispers the coworker’s name into your ears. The AI also recommends that you ask the coworker about his wife, who had surgery a few weeks ago. The coworker appreciates the sentiment, then asks you about your recent promotion, likely at the advice of his own AI.
Is this human empowerment, or a loss of human agency?
It will certainly feel like a superpower to have an AI in your ear that always has your back, ensuring you never forget a name, always have witty things to say and are instantly alerted when someone you’re talking to is not being truthful. On the other hand,everyone you meet will have their own AI muttering in their own ears. This will make us wonder who we’re really interacting with — the human in front of us, or the AI agent giving them guidance (check out Carbon Dating for fun examples).
many experts believe that body-worn AI assistants will make us feel more powerful and capable,but that’s not the only way this could go.These same technologies could make us feel less confident in ourselves and less impactful in our lives. After all, human intelligence is the defining feature of humanity, the thing we take most pride in as a species, yet we could soon find ourselves deferring to AI assistants as we feel mentally outmatched. Is this empowerment — an AI that botsplains our every experiance in real time?
I raise these concerns as someone who has spent my entire career creating technologies that expand human abilities. From my early work developing augmented reality to my current work developing conversational agents that make human teams smarter,I am a firm believer that technology can greatly enhance human abilities. Sadly, when it comes to superintelligence, there is a fine line between augmenting our human abilities and replacing them. Unless we are thoughtful in how we deploy ASI, I fear we will cross that line.
Louis Rosenberg is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher. He founded Immersion Corp, Outland Research and Unanimous AI.
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