Beyond the ethical implications and in everyday life—at both the individual and societal levels—AI serves an impersonal function.
There is currently a great deal of discussion surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), although its origins date back to the middle of the last century. Today, it seems that what was once considered fiction is now becoming reality. Thus , AI has managed to become part of everyday life and academic debate, and has achieved a level of normalization that remains a great mystery to some and a cause for concern to others.
Beyond the ethical implications and in everyday life at the individual and societal levels, AI serves an impersonal function. What is known in advance is that, broadly speaking, AI manages information found on the Internet, obviously through a much more complex and highly efficient process.
It is also true that AI stores information—I don’t know exactly how much, but it is difficult to calculate due to the dynamic nature of reality; this volume of data itself generates significant benefits, efficiency, and usefulness; however, AI has limitations when the answers being sought are not available on the Internet.
AI does not provide wisdom
As surprising as these advances may seem, it would appear that technology has come a long way in our time, but it is also worth noting that certain advances are not the same across all areas—for example, those related to self-knowledge, specifically decision-making aimed at one’s personal life project.
So, one could say that AI accumulates information, but does not provide wisdom or prudence. It would not be wise to base a life decision—such as what field of study to pursue, what career to choose, which university to attend, or even what gift to give to the person you love—on a question posed to AI, which, no matter how precise it may be, ultimately lacks the understanding of each person’s personal life, dreams, and aspirations that human interaction itself provides.
In this environment of “artificialization,” it is interesting to consider whether, regardless of AI, we could speak of an “artificial emotionality”—a kind of “impersonalization” of emotions and feelings that today’s young people, and some who are not so young, may be experiencing.
The Importance of Expressing Our Emotions
As romantic or corny as it may seem, expressing our emotions is usually a very telling trait that helps us get to know ourselves and the people we interact with. Depending on whether a person is more introverted or extroverted—or, as the saying goes, more intense or quieter, among other traits—they may find it more or less difficult to relate to others and, as a result, to fulfill their life’s purpose.
It is no secret that, with the rise of social media, our external senses (particularly sight and hearing) are frequently overstimulated, which ultimately affects the brain’s functioning. Like any other organ, the brain requires specific attention and care; if these needs are not met, it can lead to deterioration.
Emotionality plays a very important role in everyone’s life, and “artificializing” it leads to behaviors that do not contribute to healthy human development. For example, it is well known that the social role of the 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 enjoyable in and of themselves. However, as with any other resource, it is advisable to use them appropriately.
Some experts in education and psychology have noted that watching short videos helps relieve stress, but when there are no limits, this stress relief can turn into anxiety. According to neuroscientists, a stressed brain is unable to concentrate and is therefore more likely to make mistakes and experience a number of frustrations at school, with family, friends, and in romantic relationships.
There are many reactions of apparent euphoria or pleasure when someone receives a “like” on a photo posted on “Instagram,” or a repost on what is now called “X,” and the same is true when a certain number of views is reached on “TikTok.” On the contrary, when a message is “marked as read,” or when someone “has already viewed the story” but hasn’t “reacted,” a feeling of emptiness sets in.
In both cases, it is evident that there is volatility in mood swings, caused largely by overstimulation and the fulfillment—or failure to fulfill—expectations that demand immediate reward and that are undermining the maturity of the personality.
Practicing Digital Citizenship
It is not about demonizing the media—let alone social media—but rather about questioning the reasons behind their existence and how young people can use them appropriately, for the sake of each individual’s well-being.
Another issue that goes beyond the physiological effects—and which is also alarming—is the creation of prejudices. Let us not forget that prejudice stems from a flaw, a flaw characterized as an act of intellectual laziness; that is, judgments are made about others, with the risk of hurting or offending them, living in ignorance, and failing to reflect on or reconsider things.
Finally, another risk associated with “artificial emotionality” has to do with stereotyping and congruence. It might seem that the world of social media is an alternative to the physical world, but the truth is that it is not.
Practicing digital citizenship, respecting others and oneself, and understanding that not everything that happens online is real will help not only to develop a more realistic perspective, but also to promote personal well-being and happiness.
This can only be achieved through self-knowledge—something that is not found in artificial intelligence, and certainly not in artificial emotionality—in a world in need of education, peace, and security.
About the author
Professor José Francisco Cobela Vargas is a 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/
