The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart digital systems has raised important questions about the future of human agency and decision-making. A recent canvassing of 540 technology experts by Pew Research Center found that 56% believe that by 2035, smart machines and AI systems will not be designed to allow humans to easily be in control of most tech-aided decision-making. The remaining 44% were more optimistic that humans would retain agency.
At the core of this issue is the concept of self-determination - a person's ability to make choices and manage their own life. Self-determination theory suggests that people are motivated to grow and change by three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and connection. In order to promote psychological health and well-being, it is important for people to feel a sense of control over their behaviors and goals.
As AI systems become more advanced and ubiquitous, there are valid concerns that they could undermine human autonomy if not properly designed and regulated. Some experts warn about the risks of exploitative powers using AI to manipulate people's choices and behaviors. One respondent to the Pew canvassing said, "The public will not be in control; it will be the owners of the most-capable systems making decisions for the masses."
However, others believe that with the right safeguards in place, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing rather than diminishing human agency. They argue that laws and standards can be established to ensure AI systems prioritise human oversight, transparency, fairness and accountability. As one optimistic expert put it, "By 2035 we will have more automation of routine activities, but humans will still be directly inputting into and controlling non-routine and more complex activities."
The key may be developing AI systems that augment and assist human decision-making rather than fully automating it. For example, in military applications, AI could be used to enhance warfighters' cognitive performance on the battlefield, but extensive research and human experimentation is needed to mitigate risks to "cognitive liberty, psychological and physiological health." In other domains like health care, AI diagnostic tools could provide more accurate and timely analysis, but still allow doctors to easily override the AI when needed based on their expertise and judgment.
Ultimately, the future of human agency in an AI-driven world will depend on the values and priorities we embed into these systems as we design and deploy them. We must proactively put in place the oversight mechanisms and human-centric development processes to ensure that AI empowers rather than erodes our self-determination and ability to make meaningful choices about our lives. With the proper stewardship, AI could expand the scope of human agency, but without it, we risk ceding ever more control to the machines.
Consider these strategic insights:
- Develop AI-assisted decision support tools: Create AI systems that augment human decision-making in key business areas like marketing, operations, and customer service, while ensuring human oversight and control.
- Establish an AI ethics board: Form a diverse group of stakeholders to guide the development and deployment of AI systems in your business, ensuring they align with human values and prioritise transparency, fairness, and accountability.
- Invest in AI literacy training: Provide education and training programs to help employees understand the capabilities and limitations of AI, empowering them to work effectively alongside these systems while maintaining their autonomy and judgment.
- Advocate for AI governance frameworks: Engage with policymakers, industry associations, and other stakeholders to shape the development of laws, standards, and best practices that protect human agency in the use of AI systems.
Signals from the future:
Emerging trends that are likely to drive changes to the way we live, work and do business.
Technology
- Xiaomi's self-optimising autonomous factory will make 10M+ phones a year - New Atlas - Revolutionising manufacturing with a fully automated "dark factory" capable of producing millions of smartphones annually, setting a new standard in efficiency and innovation.
- Ukraine bets on land robots for next phase of war - Defense One - Ukraine shifts focus to domestic defence production, prioritising unmanned land systems amid challenges and seeking investments to bolster weapons industry.
- 'Let the robots do it': Some Philadelphia crews look to modern technology to stay cool - 6abc Philadelphia - Utilising robotics for outdoor work in extreme heat improves safety and efficiency, promoting worker well-being and raising awareness of heat-related risks.
- First-year Eton College students must trade their smartphones for school-provided "dumb" Nokias | The ban-and-replace is part of Eton's effort to refocus younger students on learning - Future(s) Studies - Prioritising learning over distractions by swapping smartphones for basic phones in a prestigious boarding school underscores the evolving approach to technology in education.
Society
- Rich People Freeze Themselves, and Fortunes, for Future Revival - Bloomberg Industry Group News - Revival trusts challenge legal boundaries by preserving wealth for potentially revived cryonically frozen individuals, addressing estate tax concerns and requiring trust adaptability.
Health & Wellbeing
- 'Butter' made from CO2 could pave the way for food without farming - New Scientist - Revolutionising food production with synthetic butter made from carbon offers a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture practices.
- 46 health IT leaders predict the future of healthcare delivery - Health IT - Healthcare delivery will transform with patient empowerment, AI integration, preventive care emphasis, and personalised, tech-driven services in the next decade.
Climate & Energy
- New Carbon Storage Technology is Fastest of Its Kind - UT News - Revolutionary carbon storage method accelerates hydrate formation, offering sustainable solution for climate change. Potential for versatile applications in multiple industries.
- New fabric cools you down when it gets hot - Futurity - Innovative fabric reduces heat significantly, offering potential for improved comfort, energy savings, and health benefits in various applications.
- Climate Change is already a significant cause of food price inflation, and from now on, researchers say this food inflation will get larger with every year that goes by. - Future(s) Studies - Climate change-induced food price inflation poses significant economic challenges, urging businesses to adapt and mitigate its impacts for sustainable growth.
- When it comes to power, solar is about to leave nuclear and everything else in the shade - The Conversation - Solar power's rapid growth and decreasing costs are poised to make it the leading global electricity source by the mid-2030s, transforming energy markets and usage patterns.
- Batteries: how cheap can they get? - Auke’s Substack - Revolutionary insights on the potential of dirt-cheap batteries to transform the energy grid, boost renewable integration, and minimise grid reinforcements.
Deep strategy:
Longer form articles rich with insights:
- Don’t Sacrifice Employee Upskilling for Productivity - MIT Sloan Management Review - Prioritising employee development over strict productivity tracking leads to greater long-term success and productivity in organisations.
- What Sets Genius Teams Apart - Harvard Business Review - Unlocking the potential of executive teams through raw capacity, ambitious goals, and productive tension for sustained success and innovation.
Business at the point of impact:
Emerging issues and technology trends can change the way we work and do business.
- The Future Of AI In Business: Microsoft Debunks Misconceptions Linked To This Groundbreaking Tech - Digital Information World - Human involvement is crucial in AI systems, which are tools to aid decision-making, not replace humans. AI doesn't scrape private data.
- Building AI-enabled services - McKinsey - Leveraging advanced digital technologies can enhance customer experience, drive revenue growth, and optimise service operations for sustainable competitive advantage.
- The evolution of customer care: AI and the Gen Z effect - McKinsey - Gen Z is shaping customer care trends with AI integration, holistic strategies, and emphasis on human interaction. Contact centres must adapt to evolving customer demands and utilise gen AI for efficient issue resolution. The future involves self-service options, empowered agents, and seamless omnichannel experiences.
- The 6 Disciplines Companies Need to Get the Most Out of Gen AI - Harvard Business Review - Unlocking the potential of Gen AI requires companies to invest in behavioural change, experimentation, data management, and human capital while focusing on strategic project selection.
- Google Researchers Publish Paper About How AI Is Ruining the Internet - Futurism - Emerging generative AI poses a serious threat as users manipulate content to deceive, influence, and profit, exacerbating scepticism and distorting reality.
