It used to be our imperfect bodies that made us insecure. With AI, it’s our minds as well
For most of modern history, technology sought to imitate humans. Humans increasingly seek to imitate technology
TL;DR
- The 'uncanny valley' describes the discomfort felt when something is almost, but not quite, human.
- Philosopher Günther Anders predicted humans would feel ashamed of their 'bodily clumsiness' and aspire to resemble perfect, mass-produced objects.
- Cosmetic procedures are booming, with many aiming for standardized ideals like symmetry rather than natural correction.
- AI is now extending this human inferiority complex to the mind, as people compare their own cognitive abilities to AI's perceived perfection.
- Studies show people are adopting AI-preferred language, indicating a shift in communication patterns.
- This trend of humans imitating technology creates an 'uncanny valley' where the distinction between human and artificial blurs.
- Recognizing and cultivating the unease caused by this self-alienation is presented as a potential path to resistance.