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Artificial intelligence, capitalism, and the future of democracy

Published : Friday, 29 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 641
Enamul Hafiz Latifee
In the 21st century, the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence stands as a testament to human inventiveness, embodying the peak of technological advancement and offering unparalleled potential for societal transformation. However, this remarkable progress unfolds within the complex wave of modern capitalism, a system characterized by its relentless drive for profit and efficiency, often at the expense of ethical considerations and democratic principles. As AI reshapes every facet of our lives, it also casts a long shadow over the foundational ideals of democracy, challenging us to confront the profound implications of these technological advancements on governance, individual autonomy, and social equity.

Capitalisms Quest for Productivity at the Expense of Empathy: In todays hyper-capitalistic world, an insidious trend has emerged, placing a merciless emphasis on productivity, often at the grave expense of empathy and human dignity. As individuals are pushed to their limits, constantly monitored and measured for their output, the essence of human relationships begins to wither. The persistent pressure to perform and produce not only fractures familial ties but also sows seeds of distress and frustration among individuals, leaving them emotionally drained and isolated. This environment, where personal value is quantified by work output, significantly diminishes the capacity for empathy, both received and given.

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into this already strained dynamic adds a new layer of complexity. Industrialists and corporations, in their quest to scale the heights of efficiency, increasingly turn to AI not just for tasks of routine and calculation but as a means to intensely monitor and, in many instances, replace human workers at an alarming rate. This technological leap forward, while heralding unprecedented levels of productivity, casts a long shadow over the workforce.

The spectre of AI, capable of 24/7 operation without fatigue or the need for personal time, aggravates the already perilous position of human workers, pushing them further to the margins. People become ensnared in a solitary struggle for survival in the workforce, turning peoples political and philosophical abilities weaker-- the core element of a vibrant democracy exercise.

A Double-Edged Sword: AIs emergence as a transformative force is undeniable, promising to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and address some of humanitys most pressing challenges. Yet, its potential to manipulate, surveil, and exert control over the populace reveals a darker aspect, one that threatens to undermine the very fabric of democratic society. The capacity of AI to analyze vast datasets, predict behaviours, and influence decision-making processes can be wielded to shape public opinion, disseminate misinformation, and erode trust in democratic institutions. This dual nature of AI as both a tool for empowerment and a mechanism for control necessitates a careful balancing act, ensuring that its development and application serve to enhance, rather than diminish, democratic values.

The Grip of Capitalism on AI: The intersection of AI with capitalism magnifies these concerns, as the pursuit of profit and market dominance prioritizes short-term gains over long-term societal well-being. In this context, AI becomes a commodity, concentrated in the hands of a few powerful corporations that possess the resources to develop, deploy, and control these technologies. This monopolistic control not only stifles competition and innovation but also centralizes decision-making power, undermining the democratic ethos of distributed power and participatory governance. As these tech giants exert their influence over the economy, politics, and media, their capacity to shape societal norms, values, and policies grows, challenging the principle of equality at the heart of democracy.

Confronting Monopolism and Oligarchy: The Democratic Imperative: The rise of monopolism and oligarchy, fuelled by capitalist dynamics and further empowered by AI, poses a significant threat to democratic governance. The concentration of economic and political power in the hands of a few undermines the principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency, essential for a healthy democracy. To counteract this trend, robust antitrust measures, regulatory oversight, and policies promoting competition and innovation are crucial. Democracies must reassert the primacy of the public interest, ensuring that AI serves as a force for good, advancing public welfare rather than entrenching corporate power.

The path to reconciling AI with democratic ideals involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing regulatory reform, public engagement, and international cooperation. First and foremost, governments must establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks that govern AI development and deployment, emphasizing ethical considerations, data privacy, and security. Such regulations should aim to prevent the misuse of AI for surveillance, manipulation, and other anti-democratic purposes.

Antitrust laws and policies need to be updated and vigorously enforced to dismantle monopolistic structures in the tech industry, promoting a diverse and competitive marketplace that encourages innovation and prevents the concentration of power. Furthermore, public investment in AI research and development can help democratize access to these technologies, ensuring that their benefits are widely distributed across society.

The journey toward ensuring that AI supports rather than subverts democracy is fraught with challenges but also filled with opportunities. By adopting a proactive and collaborative approach to AI governance, societies can harness the potential of these technologies to enhance democratic processes, promote social justice, and foster a more equitable and inclusive future. The key lies in our collective ability to envision and implement a framework that aligns AI development with democratic values, ensuring that the AI age remains an era of empowerment, innovation, and democratic renewal.

Taking the renowned science-fiction writer Frank Herberts words as a reference point, we immediately need to realize that, it is high time to discipline the use of AI to ensure our true liberty-- not letting it be grabbed by the capitalists aka monopolists for manipulating democracy, controlling the governance system to regulate people and influence commoners choice that would serve their own interest of wealth concentration.

The writer is a Trade & Policy Economist, Life Member of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), Joint Secretary (Research Fellow) of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS)



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