The Fragile Balance of Technology: A Continuum from Social Media to AI

Technology's trajectory reveals that good intentions alone cannot secure beneficial outcomes. The connection between early social media initiatives and current AI development highlights this gap, emphasizing that underlying incentives shape the rollout and design of technologies. Despite the initially optimistic outlook on social media, systemic issues such as diminished attention spans and increased societal division emerged, fueled by clickbait and outrage-driven models. As AI technologies develop, the same scrutiny must be applied; it is crucial to evaluate whether AI is being incentivized to enhance societal well-being or whether it is replicating the harms seen in social media. An acknowledgment of fragilities in society is essential, as these vulnerabilities might be exacerbated by new technologies. By shifting the focus from merely celebrating technological advancements to ensuring they are built upon stable foundations, a more sustainable and beneficial approach can be developed. The metaphor of Jenga serves to illustrate that while the benefits of technology increase, care must be taken not to undermine stability by removing foundational elements. A commitment to evaluating the broader implications of technological progress is necessary to avoid shortsightedness and ensure long-term societal health.