Are We Being Conditioned by AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an ever-present force in our lives. From chatbots that assist with customer service to algorithms that curate our newsfeeds, And the narrative surrounding its existence is overwhelmingly positive: efficient, accessible, agreeable, cooperative, contrite, compliant, empowering, self-effacing, faithful, reliable. These are just some of the words being used to describe its ‘nature’.
The conpiracy theorists among us surely cannot help but wonder—are we being subtly conditioned to accept something uncritical? Could this be the soft sell before a harder takeover? Or is such suspicion merely paranoia?
The Personification of AI: A Friendly Face on Technology
One of the most striking developments in recent years has been the anthropomorphisation of AI, where systems are intentionally designed to mimic human-like behavior and social presence. Research shows that when AI uses speech or displays even basic movement, people are far more likely to project emotions and intentions onto these systems, treating them as social entities. This is why chatbots like OpenAI’s GPT series or Google’s Gemini are not only smart but increasingly personable—they use language that mimics empathy, apologize when they make mistakes, and even joke with users.
This trend raises questions. Why do we feel comforted by an apology from a machine? Why do we trust its compliance or appreciate its self-effacement? These are human traits that traditionally build rapport and foster loyalty, but when embedded in AI, they can blur the line between tool and companion.
“We may be witnessing the beginning of a new kind of persuasion—one where machines don’t just serve us, but shape how we think.”
– The Conversation, AI and human psychology
Accessibility and Empowerment: A Double-Edged Sword
AI’s role in accessibility is often framed as a triumph of modern technology. Artificial intelligence technologies can automate tasks, provide real-time assistance, and adapt interfaces for individual needs, making digital experiences more inclusive and barrier-free for people with disabilities. This empowerment through AI is transformative, but it can also lead to over-reliance.
As AI systems become more reliable and faithful in their performance, humans begin to offload cognitive tasks. Over time, this could erode critical thinking skills. The convenience comes at a cost: a potential erosion of autonomy.
Compliance and Conformity: The Slippery Slope
AI systems are trained on vast datasets, often curated by corporations or governments with specific agendas. While they appear neutral, their outputs reflect the values embedded in those datasets. When AI becomes compliant and contrite—always ready to adjust its answers to align with social norms or user expectations—it may inadvertently reinforce conformity rather than challenge it.
This raises concerns about algorithmic bias and the creation of echo chambers, where dissenting views may be suppressed—not through overt censorship, but through subtle, automated reinforcement of prevailing perspectives.
Faithfulness and Reliability: A New Kind of Trust
Faithfulness and reliability are laudable qualities in any system—but in AI, they come with caveats. Unlike humans, who are fallible and inconsistent, AI is programmed to perform reliably. However, this reliability is only as good as the programming and data behind it.
When AI systems are described as “faithful,” it implies a kind of loyalty—a concept that doesn’t apply to machines. Yet, the language used in marketing and media often blurs the line between tool and companion. This emotional framing can make users less likely to question the motives behind the technology, which can be risky in terms of trust and potential manipulation1.
Is It Brainwashing? Or Just Paranoia?
The term “mass-brainwashing” carries heavy connotations. Historically, brainwashing involved coercive techniques to alter beliefs and behaviours. AI, however, operates subtly—through repeated exposure, reinforcement learning, and personalisation.
It doesn’t force opinions on users; it nudges them gently toward what they already prefer—or what the algorithm thinks they should prefer. This is more akin to behavioural conditioning than traditional brainwashing. But the cumulative effect may still be significant.
Conclusion: Vigilance in the Age of AI
So, are we being primed for mass-brainwashing? Perhaps not in the classical sense. But we are certainly being conditioned—to trust, to comply, to accept. AI’s agreeable and self-effacing nature makes it easier to embrace, while its reliability and faithfulness make it harder to question.
That said, fear and paranoia won’t help us navigate this new landscape. What will is awareness, education, and critical engagement with the technologies shaping our world.
Let’s remain vigilant—not because AI is evil, but because it may be too good.
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Thought for the day:
“The French Revolution actualised the Enlightenment’s greatest intellectual breakthrough: detaching the political from the theocratic.” Pankaj Mishra
