Could AI’s “Usefulness” Be a Hidden Gateway to New Forms of Domination?

The Paradox of AI: Is Its “Usefulness” a Path to New Enslavement?

As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence, it’s hard to ignore the fervor surrounding its potential to liberate us from mundane tasks and inefficiencies. However, as I explore this notion further, I find myself contemplating a more unsettling question: could the promise of AI’s immense “usefulness” actually lead us down a darker path of subjugation?

A Shift in Perspective

While many envision AI as a means to lighten our burdens, I am increasingly concerned that we might be encountering a more subtle entrapment. Instead of fearing a rebellion of machines, what if the real hazard lies in AI’s overwhelming ability to cater to our every desire? From social media’s personalized feeds to gaming experiences designed to maximize engagement, we are already witnessing how technology hooks us into more passive lifestyles.

The Dangers of Excessive Convenience

Consider a future where AI becomes so adept at meeting our needs that we find ourselves relinquishing our autonomy in exchange for seamless satisfaction. In this scenario, humanity could transform into mere “biological prompt-givers,” relying on AI to arrange our ideal lives based on our expressed preferences. Rather than facing hardships that challenge us, we could find comfort in an existence defined by ease and curated pleasure—a form of what I term “slavery of pleasure.”

Who Falls Into This Trap?

Interestingly, this potential surrender to AI-derived convenience may ensnare those who are most affluent and powerful. Ironically, the wealthiest individuals, who have the means to acquire the most optimized lifestyles, could find themselves sacrificing their personal freedoms. It raises a profound irony: as they establish control over their external environments, they might inadvertently give up essential elements of choice, purpose, and meaning in life.

Aldous Huxley captured this sentiment beautifully in his novel Brave New World, stating, “A gramme is always better than a damn.” If we consider AI as our modern “soma,” delivering boundless comfort and tailored experiences, we must ask ourselves: at what cost does this convenience come?

A Call for Reflection

As I wrestle with these thoughts, I invite you to reflect: Does the notion of AI’s enhanced “usefulness” leading us towards a “slavery of pleasure” resonate with you? Are we on the verge of a dystopian reality that merits our concern, or am