The Illusion of Control: Living with Digital Others

Abstract

The text explores the theme of controlling technology—specifically, the development and deployment of artificial intelligence and generative models like large language models. It reflects on the challenges of maintaining control in the face of technological advancements, drawing parallels with historical attempts to control industrialization. The narrative emphasizes the multifaceted nature of control, extending beyond technical functioning to encompass societal, ethical, and environmental dimensions. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, considering the competition among major corporations and the societal impact of technologies like ChatGPT. It explores the illusion of control and its consequences, questioning the effectiveness of safety measures in the context of rapidly advancing technologies. The text also addresses anthropomorphism, the blurred lines between human and machine agency, and the potential loss of control in the face of the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Finally, it contrasts the modern world’s reliance on a transcendental framework with the enchanted universe of our ancestors. It raises questions about the erosion of transcendental bearings in the face of technological advancements and the potential for a redefined relationship with digital entities. The text concludes by suggesting that embracing uncertainty and reimagining control as a coevolutionary process may pave the way for living harmoniously with the digital Others in an uncertain and collectively imagined future.