Dr. Pamela Wisniewski has contributed her insights to the latest report published by Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center and Lee Rainie, titled “Being Human in 2035: How Are We Changing in the Age of AI?”
The report explores how advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) may reshape fundamental human traits such as creativity, empathy, social intelligence, and our overall sense of purpose. Dr. Wisniewski provided a critical perspective on the implications of AI design and usage, particularly how it may either enrich or erode the human experience.
She cautioned:
“Artificial Intelligence is a tool that can both enrich and erode the human experience. It is not either/or; both can be true simultaneously. To the extent that we can use AI to augment the human experience, rather than replace it, there is still hope for a better future.”
However, Dr. Wisniewski also noted the risks associated with AI:
“Unfortunately, it’s easier to build AI systems that remove the human to reduce costs than it is to build AI systems that supplement human ingenuity and enrich the human experience.”
She stressed the need for thoughtful AI design that supports human dignity, autonomy, and critical thinking. As AI systems continue to evolve, Dr. Wisniewski highlighted a key concern:
“When we use AI to accomplish tasks we have already mastered, it can create economies of scale that allow humans to focus on more important and meaningful work. However, if we use AI before we learn how to do those tasks ourselves, it robs us of the scaffolding essential to deepening our critical thinking skills.”
Dr. Wisniewski urged stakeholders to actively design AI systems that collaborate with humans rather than replace them, underscoring that the quality of future technologies hinges on preserving the core elements of human-to-human interaction.
Read the full report: Being Human in 2035: How Are We Changing in the Age of AI?
👏 Congratulations to Dr. Wisniewski for her significant contribution to this critical discussion on AI and humanity.