Is AI taking us back into Plato’s Cave?

AI is already beginning to become the major source of society's truth. In its applications, AI is already taking over from journalists, teachers, academics, stockbrokers, data entry clerks, software engineers, copy writers, artists, musicians, doctors, and many other occupations. We are not as yet aware as to how much AI generated material we might read each day.

However, today's generation of AI cannot easily replicate creativity due to the limited use of grounded information it uses and weakness of algorithms that project information into new thought concepts. The overuse of AI will greatly decrease the level of satisfaction a person generates by completing a challenging task. People are not going to feel that 'high' they get when they complete an assignment, presentation, or complete a book. Achieving a sense of satisfaction triggers the release of neurochemicals and hormones like serotonins, oxytocin, gamma-aminobutryic acid, and endorphins that interact to produce good emotional feelings, pleasure and a general wellbeing. In this way, AI will take-away some of the humanity in our work.

As AI takes us closer to this digital construct of the world that reflects a particular reality, society is heading closer to "The Matrix". For all intents and purposes "The Matrix" is no more than Plato's Cave in a digital format. What is now very important is teaching people to use AI just as a tool, and not let it become the master of your destiny.

We know what the value is of a graduate who has done all their work through AI generated work. The essence of curiosity, ability to be creative and actual intelligence will have been damaged by AI. With that comes lack of problem-solving ability, or just plain common sense.

Although AI is a massive breakthrough in information organization and management, AI is also 'dumbing down' our society. This is an (un)intentional consequence of AI. Just ask AI and it will tell you so.