What makes AI such a potent term that nearly everyone recognizes its reference without the need to spell out “artificial intelligence,” despite its vast potential and unsettling implications?
During the Distinguished Speakers Series event held on November 16 at the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts, tech expert Nicholas Thompson and neuroethicist Nita Farahany delved into the realm of AI in a dynamic 90-minute session before an engaged audience. The format of the discussion blended traditional presentations with interactive dialogue between the speakers.
Nicholas Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and former WIRED director, expressed his deep fascination with AI for various reasons, including its ability to spark creativity in his three children. He shared an anecdote about creating the “Animal World Cup” storybook for them using AI tools, depicting football matches between different animal species based on their stuffed toys. He asserted, “I consider it to be the most significant innovation of their lifetime and one that will profoundly impact our world.” However, Thompson also acknowledged the “profoundly destructive” aspects of AI, particularly in the advertising industry he is part of, and its wide-ranging implications for all individuals, irrespective of their profession.
“AI excels at numerous tasks,” according to Thompson, who suggested that one could contribute humorous content to the Animal World Cup books. It excels at games but falls short in poker. What are the limitations? What tasks can it perform? What are its capabilities and shortcomings? How should we regulate its use?
Farahany, a Duke University legal scholar, ethicist, and author of “The Battle for Your Brain,” presented a cartoon video illustrating a scenario where an employer can decipher an employee’s thought patterns without displaying empathy, particularly in situations where romantic relationships are prohibited.
In a chilling hypothetical situation described by Farahany, she mentioned, “The government has subpoenaed employees’ brainwave data from the past year. They have compelling evidence that a colleague has been involved in major fraud schemes. They are now seeking his accomplices. You discover that they are looking for coordinated brain activity between your colleague and the individuals he has been collaborating with. Despite knowing your innocence, you have been secretly working on a new business venture with [the subject of the investigation]. Trembling, you remove your headphones.”
While most individuals would find such a scenario undesirable in the future, Farahany pointed out that these developments are “almost here,” driven by AI’s transformative impact on various aspects of human existence and the unlocking of mysteries concealed within vast datasets across different fields, including neurotechnology.
Farahany highlighted the significance of consumer neurotechnology, which involves “brain sensors embedded in everyday devices that monitor, communicate, and interpret patterns of cognitive activity.” She showcased an image of her own brainwave activity captured while wearing a user-friendly headband equipped with electroencephalography (EEG) sensors capable of detecting basic brainwave patterns.
She noted that such imagery was previously less informative, with a limited understanding of the significance of these neural patterns. However, advancements in AI have now enabled the interpretation of emotions, engagement levels, and cognitive states, such as focus or distraction, based on these brainwave patterns.
As AI progresses, safeguarding our “cognitive liberty,” encompassing the right to freedom of thought, self-determination, and emotional privacy, becomes increasingly vital, particularly in light of emerging AI technologies, Farahany emphasized.
Farahany lauded AI’s potential to enhance early detection of debilitating neurological conditions while emphasizing the importance of vigilant privacy measures. The widespread adoption of portable brain sensors could potentially transform the landscape for over a billion individuals worldwide grappling with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. By leveraging insights gained from treating mental health on par with physical well-being, we could potentially alter the trajectories of conditions affecting millions globally, including dementia and depression.
Discussing advancements in electromyography (EMG), including Apple’s integration of EMG sensors into AirPods and the utilization of eye-tracking data to infer cognitive and emotional states, Farahany underscored the evolving landscape of neurotechnologies.
In the latter part of the session, Thompson posed thought-provoking scenarios from Farahany’s work and fielded questions from the audience. The juxtaposition of Thompson’s humor and approachability with Farahany’s expertise and depth of knowledge enriched the discussion.
One speculative scenario involved monitoring a truck driver’s stress levels while operating a 40-ton vehicle. While ensuring public safety by detecting fatigue levels may seem justified, Farahany raised concerns about the trade-offs in emotional privacy when additional factors like performance optimization and intelligence enhancement come into play.
When asked about the brain-related mystery she is most eager to unravel, Farahany expressed her deep concern for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, emphasizing the urgency of understanding and addressing such challenges through data-driven insights and targeted interventions.
Thompson concurred, highlighting the importance of balancing caution with optimism in navigating the complexities of AI advancements and the diverse ethical considerations they entail.
