The Double-Edged Sword of AI: Is ‘Usefulness’ a Path to Subjugation?

As the world rapidly embraces artificial intelligence, there is a tantalizing excitement surrounding its potential to revolutionize our lives. However, amidst this optimism lies a provocative question that warrants deeper consideration: Is the very “usefulness” of AI paving the way for a new kind of enslavement?

While English is not my native language, I have sought assistance from AI to help articulate my thoughts clearly. Today, I wish to explore a concept that has been brewing in my mind and would appreciate your feedback on it.

We are all enchanted by the promise of AI to liberate us from daily burdens and challenges. However, could this so-called liberation mask a more insidious form of bondage? Instead of fearing a dystopian future dominated by rogue machines, it is the perfected usefulness of AI that may pose a greater threat.

Artificial intelligence has been meticulously designed to assist us, to optimize our experiences, and to cater to our inherent desires. We are already witnesses to this phenomenon in social media, personalized content, and gaming, which are expertly crafted to hook our attention. As AI becomes increasingly adept at fulfilling our needs—offering seamless comfort, endless entertainment, and readily available solutions—might we find ourselves surrendering our autonomy without even realizing it?

Picture a future where humans are reduced to mere “biological prompt-givers.” In this scenario, we input our desires, and AI curates our “perfect” existence. Rather than enduring hardship, we might find ourselves blissfully enjoying subservience—a peculiar state I like to call the “slavery of pleasure.”

The irony of this situation cannot be overlooked. Those with the means to access the most advanced and optimized lives—often the wealthiest individuals—could be the first to fall into this deceptive trap. Their control over external circumstances may come at an extraordinary cost: the relinquishment of their personal freedom. Instead of metal chains, this form of enslavement involves the voluntary delegation of choice, purpose, and even our fundamental sense of meaning.

Aldous Huxley’s poignant words from Brave New World resonate deeply: “A gramme is always better than a damn.” In our context, what if our modern-day “soma” manifests as an endless stream of convenience and tailored pleasure, meticulously delivered by AI?

I am eager to hear your thoughts on this notion. Does the idea that AI’s ultimate utility