AIsmosis and the pas de deux of human-AI interaction: Exploring the communicative dance between society and artificial intelligence

Abstract

As the global influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives and the looming advent of artificial general intelligence (AGI) become increasingly apparent, the need for a sophisticated interpretive framework intensifies. This paper introduces ‘AIsmosis’–a term that captures AI’s gradual, nuanced integration into society, and akin to the biological process of osmosis. AI’s integration dynamics are examined through the lens of three pivotal theories: social construction of technology, technological determinism, and diffusion of innovations. These theories collectively elucidate the sociocultural influences on AI, the potential repercussions of unchecked technological growth, and the factors driving the adoption of novel technologies. Building upon these explorations, the ‘controlled AIsmosis’ conceptual framework emerges, emphasizing ethically conscious development, active stakeholder communication, and democratic dialogue in the context of AI technology adoption. Rooted in communicative action theory, this framework illuminates AI’s transformative impact on society. It calls for a comprehensive evaluation of systems that steer AI diffusion and their potential impacts, acknowledging the pervasive influence of AI and transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. This work underscores the need for a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in investigating the complex AI-society interplay and understanding the ethical and societal consequences of AIsmosis.