S7 Ep2: Anxiety, Artificial Intelligence and work with Anthony Elliott
Jan 22, 2025
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In this conversation, Anthony Elliot, a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Australia, discusses his insights on the social impact of artificial intelligence and his new book, 'Algorithms of Anxiety, Fear in the Digital Age.' He reveals how AI is revolutionizing industries but also poses risks like job displacement and biases. The dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations and equitable technology use. Elliot also examines AI's role in shaping democracy, highlighting the balance between transparency and misinformation.
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence is transforming industries and raising concerns about personal agency and autonomy in decision-making.
Societal anxieties about AI encompass both its benefits for efficiency and serious risks like data privacy issues and job displacement.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on Daily Life
Artificial intelligence is reshaping various facets of daily life, influencing personal identities, relationships, and decision-making processes. The increasing integration of AI technologies, such as predictive algorithms and automation, has led to significant changes in industries like healthcare, retail, and finance, thereby amplifying the role of AI in determining business outcomes. Although there are undeniable benefits, such as improved efficiency and cost reduction, there are also profound concerns regarding personal agency and the potential for diminished autonomy as AI takes over decision-making roles. These changes provoke questions about the balance between harnessing the power of AI for societal good while ensuring individual freedom is maintained.
The Dual Nature of AI's Influence
AI presents both opportunities and challenges, leading to a spectrum of societal anxieties regarding its impact. While advancements in AI enhance convenience through tools like personalized music recommendations on Spotify or fast delivery services from Amazon, there are serious risks associated with data privacy, biases embedded in algorithms, and job displacement due to automation. Specific examples, such as the racial biases in parole decisions influenced by AI predictions, illustrate how algorithmic errors can reinforce existing social inequalities. The tension between the benefits of AI and its potentially harmful implications underscores the need for critical engagement with the technology.
The Necessity of Regulation and Public Dialogue
As AI continues to evolve, the challenges it poses for society necessitate regulatory frameworks that can effectively address its implications. Current regulatory efforts, particularly by the EU, aim to ensure that AI development aligns with ethical standards and public interests, yet there is skepticism about whether these regulations can keep pace with rapid technological changes. Engaging the public and fostering conversations around AI's impact is essential to understanding societal fears and addressing issues of disinformation and privacy erosion. Promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, especially involving the social sciences and humanities, is vital for grasping the profound ramifications of AI on democracy and individual freedom.
Pick, Pack, Post, Repeat….warehouses around the world are now using Artificial Intelligence to fulfil customer orders. So, are workers on their way out?
As the speed of innovation when it comes to artificial intelligence accelerates, power sits firmly in the hands of Silicon Valley and big tech companies.
Governments and the public are on the side-lines. How should we be feeling about this?
To tell us is Anthony Elliott - Professor of Sociology at the University of South Australia who has just published a book, 'Algorithms of Anxiety, Fear in the Digital Age'.
Season 7 of the We Society Podcast from the Academy of Social Sciences continues to tackle the big questions through a social science lens. Throughout this series, you'll be hearing some of the best ideas to shape the way we live.
Hosted by journalist and Academy President Will Hutton, we interview some of Britain’s top social scientists and public figures from across the globe to explore their evidence-led solutions to society’s most pressing problems.
Don't want to miss an episode? Follow the We Society on your favourite podcast platform and you can email us on wesociety@acss.org.uk and tell us who we should be speaking to or follow us on X https://twitter.com/AcadSocSciences
This is the second episode of Season 7, and there will be episodes released every week so be sure to subscribe and rate the podcast.
