Tagged for OEG Connect: How AI Destroys Institutions by Woodrow Hartzog, Jessica M. Silbey :: SSRN

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What’s of interest? How AI Destroys Institutions by Woodrow Hartzog, Jessica M. Silbey :: SSRN

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Civic institutions—the rule of law, universities, and a free press—are the backbone of democratic life. They are the mechanisms through which complex societies encourage cooperation and stability, while also adapting to changing circumstances. The real superpower of institutions is their ability to evolve and adapt within a hierarchy of authority and a framework for roles and rules while maintaining legitimacy in the knowledge produced and the actions taken. Purpose-driven institutions built around transparency, cooperation, and accountability empower individuals to take intellectual risks and challenge the status quo. This happens through the machinations of interpersonal relationships within those institutions, which broaden perspectives and strengthen shared commitment to civic goals.

Unfortunately, the affordances of AI systems extinguish these institutional features at every turn. In this essay, we make one simple point: AI systems are built to function in ways that degrade and are likely to destroy our crucial civic institutions. The affordances of AI systems have the effect of eroding expertise, short-circuiting decision-making, and isolating people from each other. These systems are anathema to the kind of evolution, transparency, cooperation, and accountability that give vital institutions their purpose and sustainability. In short, current AI systems are a death sentence for civic institutions, and we should treat them as such.

Note: This ought to ignite some strong discussions, what do you think?

Where is it?: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5870623

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Thank you for sharing, this article raises a very important issue.
The idea presented by the authors is that artificial intelligence does not only change our daily tools, but also extends its impact to the deep structure of civic institutions that uphold democracy. While universities, the judiciary, and a free press rely on human expertise, transparency, and accountability, AI systems threaten these foundations by weakening expertise, accelerating decisions without deliberation, and isolating individuals from one another.

This analysis deserves serious discussion because it confronts us with a crucial question: how can we benefit from the capabilities of AI without losing the institutions that provide society with stability and legitimacy?

:paperclip: Link to the article: How AI Destroys Institutions – SSRN

I believe this topic will spark wide-ranging dialogue within the open education community, especially regarding the role of universities in addressing these challenges.