TLDR: This research paper explores how augmentation technologies are becoming integrated into society, driven by artificial intelligence. It clarifies ambiguous AI terminology using the WIPO scheme and examines the evolving concept of ‘agency’ as non-human entities exhibit intelligent behaviors. The paper introduces ‘symbiotic agency’ to describe the interdependent relationship between humans and technology, highlighting both benefits and potential risks. It analyzes how industries market AI agents like ‘Little Sophia’ and discusses the speculative nature of the ‘Metaverse’ as a driver for new augmentation technologies like smart contact lenses and AR cloud infrastructure. The authors advocate for an ethical framework and digital literacy to understand and responsibly adopt these transformative technologies.
Augmentation technologies, which aim to enhance human capabilities, are rapidly becoming integrated into our daily lives. This process, termed ‘enculturation,’ is significantly influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent research paper, Agency, Affordances, and Enculturation of Augmentation Technologies, delves into the often-hyped assumptions surrounding these technologies, questioning whether they truly improve lives, cultures, and economies.
One of the initial challenges in discussing AI is the ambiguity of its definition. To bring clarity, the paper references the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Categorization of AI Technologies Scheme. This scheme breaks down AI into three main categories: AI techniques (like machine learning and expert systems), AI functional applications (such as speech processing or computer vision), and AI application fields (where these technologies are applied, like transportation or medicine). This structured view helps us understand how complex AI systems, like those for ‘smart cities,’ are built from these foundational elements.
A central theme explored is the concept of ‘agency’ – the capacity to act or exert power. Traditionally, agency has been associated with humans. However, with the emergence of sophisticated AI and robotic systems, this notion is being challenged. The paper discusses various perspectives on agency, from its connection to power relations to its role in constantly shifting networks of relationships, as described by Actor-Network Theory (ANT).
As technology advances, tools like machine learning, AI, and chatbots are demonstrating complex ‘agentic’ behaviors. This leads to what is termed ‘symbiotic agency,’ a unique form of interaction where humans and technology become interdependent. In this relationship, people delegate tasks to augmentation technologies, treating them as personal assistants or companions. While this can be beneficial, the paper also highlights potential downsides, such as the ‘Uncanny Valley Effect’ (discomfort with overly human-like robots) and the risk of users feeling ‘addicted to’ or ‘controlled by’ technologies, suggesting a parasitic rather than symbiotic relationship.
The enculturation of non-human agents is evident across various industries. The paper examines how corporate marketing promotes AI technologies, often blurring the lines of agency. For instance, ‘Little Sophia,’ a consumer-grade robot, is marketed as an educational companion, inspiring learning through human-robot interaction. However, studies show that such advertising can promote idealized social practices and sometimes minimize human and instructor agency in learning environments. Companies make persuasive claims about augmentation, from real-time language translation with smart earbuds to virtual reality headsets that track eye movements, often substantiating these claims with terms like ‘neural networks,’ ‘speech recognition,’ and ‘cloud computing.’
The concept of the ‘Metaverse’ is also critically examined. While widely hyped as the next phase of the internet – a parallel digital reality for work and play – the paper notes that it doesn’t yet exist in a real capacity; it’s largely a dream. Companies are using the Metaverse concept to drive innovation and encourage the adoption of augmentation technologies. Examples include InWith Corporation’s soft electronic contact lenses, envisioned as a seamless way to transition between real and virtual worlds, and the development of ‘AR cloud’ infrastructure, which aims to create a persistent 3D digital copy of the world for shared augmented reality experiences.
Also Read:
- Designing AI for Human Well-being: A New Framework for Human-AI Interaction
- The AI Agent Dilemma: Why We Need a Clearer Definition
Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the need for an ethical framework to understand and adopt augmentation technologies. It encourages digital literacy to navigate the complex interplay between human and machine cultures, ensuring that these advancements truly serve human well-being rather than merely fulfilling corporate ambitions.
