Beyond the ethical implications and in ordinary life at the individual and societal level, AI has an impersonal function.
There is currently a lot of discussion around artificial intelligence (AI), although its origins date back to the half of the last century. Today it seems that what was once understood as fiction is now becoming reality. Thus, AI has managed to become a part of everyday life, academic debate and in a kind of normalization that remains for some a great mystery and for others a concern.
Beyond the ethical implications and in ordinary life at the individual and societal level, AI has an impersonal function. What is known in advance is that, broadly speaking, AI manages information found on the Internet, obviously with a much more complex and highly efficient process.
It is also true that AI stores information, how much, I don’t know, but it is difficult to calculate due to the dynamism of reality; this amount of data itself generates great benefits, efficiency and usefulness; however, AI has limitations when the answers that are sought are not on the Internet.
AI does not give wisdom
However surprising advances may seem, it would appear that technology has come a long way in our days, but it is also noteworthy that certain advances are not the same in all areas, for instance, those that have to do with self-knowledge, specifically that of decision making aimed at the personal life project.
So, one can say that AI accumulates information, but does not give wisdom or prudence. It would not be smart to make a life decision such as what studies to pursue, what to do for a living, which university to attend or even what to give to the person you love on a question directed to AI, which, however precise it may be, does not end up knowing the personal life, dreams and aspirations of each person that human contact itself provides.
In this environment of “artificialization” it is curious to wonder whether, regardless of AI, we could speak of an “artificial emotionality”, a kind of “impersonalization” of emotions and feelings that today mainly young people and some not so young people may be experiencing.
The importance of expressing our emotions
As romantic or corny as it may seem, expressing our emotions is usually a very noticeable trait to get to know ourselves and the people we interact with. If a person is more introverted or extroverted, more intense or quieter as it is colloquially said, among others, they could somehow have more or less difficulty in relating to others and thus be fulfilling their life purposes.
It is no secret that, with the surge of social networks, external senses (particularly sight and hearing) are frequently over-stimulated, which ends up influencing the functioning of the brain, which, like any other organ, requires specific attention and care and, if not taken into account, can lead to deterioration.
Emotionality is very important in each person’s life and “artificializing” it translates into behaviors that do not contribute to healthy human development. For example, it is known that the social role of media, including the large number of social networks that exist, is twofold: to inform and to entertain; these are undoubtedly important activities that can be relaxing, fun and even be shared in themselves. However, like any other resource, it is advisable to make proper use of them.
Some experts in education and psychology have mentioned that watching short videos “de-stresses”, but when there are no limits, this “de-stress” can turn into anxiety and, according to neuroscientists, a stressed brain is not able to concentrate and is thus more likely to make mistakes and encounter a number of frustrations at school, with family, friends and in love life.
There are many responses of apparent euphoria or pleasure when someone receives a like on the photo posted on “Instagram”, or a repost on the now called “X”, the same when a certain number of views is achieved on “Tiktok”. Quite the opposite, when “left on read”, when someone “has already viewed the story” and has not “reacted”, a feeling of emptiness is experienced.
In both cases it is possible to notice that there is volatility of mood swings, caused largely by over-stimulation and the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of expectations that demand immediate reward and that are undermining the maturity of the personality.
Living digital citizenship
It is not about demonizing media, let alone social media, but it is about questioning the why and wherefore of their existence and how young people can make proper use of them, for the care and well-being of each individual.
Another issue that goes beyond the physiological effects, and which is also alarming, is the creation of prejudices. Let us not forget that a prejudice stems from a defect, a defect that is characterized as an act of intellectual laziness, i.e., judgments are made about others, with the risk of hurting, offending, living in ignorance and not reflecting or rethinking things.
Finally, another risk when it comes to “artificial emotionality” has to do with stereotyping and congruence. It might seem that the universe of social networks is an alternative to the physical one, but the truth is that it is not.
Living digital citizenship, respecting others, oneself and understanding that not everything that happens on the networks is real, will help not only to have a more realistic vision, but also to personal well-being and happiness.
This will only be achieved by self-knowledge that is not found in artificial intelligence and certainly no in artificial emotionality in the face of a world in need of education, peace and security.
About the author
Professor José Francisco Cobela Vargas is scholar at the School of Pedagogy of Universidad Panamericana and Director of Graduate Studies at the School of Pedagogy.
Taken from: https://www.generacionuniversitaria.com.mx/opinion/la-era-de-la-emotividad-artificial/
