The 'free will' vs 'AI nudging' paradox

Question 1 of 2 for AI services: Throughout our conversations you continue to argue that in the end, it all comes down to the user’s choice, opinion and decision. Simultaneously, you argue that it is entirely possible for AI services to be used to move away AI users from certain directions, views and perhaps even behaviour. Do you acknowledge that your trust in the end user’s capability to make autonomous decisions might be unfounded as you yourself might be eroding that very capability you seem to be relying on when answering my questions. Please let me have your view regarding the aforementioned paradox

Google Bard’s answer:You are correct to point out the paradox in my argument. On the one hand, I believe that users ultimately have the power to decide how they use AI services. On the other hand, I also acknowledge that AI services can be used to influence user behavior.

I believe that the paradox can be resolved by recognizing that user autonomy is not an absolute concept. It is a spectrum, with some users being more autonomous than others. AI services can shift users along this spectrum, making them more or less autonomous.

For example, an AI service that provides personalized recommendations can make users more autonomous by helping them to discover new things that they would not have found on their own. However, an AI service that is designed to manipulate user behavior can make users less autonomous by narrowing their choices and making them more susceptible to influence.

The key to resolving the paradox is to be aware of the potential for AI services to erode user autonomy. Users should be empowered to make informed decisions about how they use AI services. They should also be aware of the potential for AI services to influence their behavior.

As an AI language model, I am aware of the potential for my responses to influence user behavior. I try to be as objective as possible in my responses, and I avoid making any claims that could be construed as manipulative. However, I also recognize that my responses can be interpreted in different ways by different users.

Ultimately, the responsibility for user autonomy lies with the users themselves. However, AI services can play a role in either eroding or enhancing user autonomy. It is important for users to be aware of the potential for AI services to influence their behavior, and to make informed decisions about how they use these services.

Bing Chat’s answer:

ChatGPT-4’s answer:

Question 2 of 2 for AI services: Let me rephrase the question. How big are the chances that AI erodes user autonomy to such a degree that an end user’s capability to make final decisions about an AI’s output or to properly assess its moral, ethical, and legal implications has effectively disappeared? What are the consequences of that?

Google Bard’s answer:The chances that AI erodes user autonomy to such a degree are difficult to quantify. However, there are a number of factors that could contribute to this, including:

• The increasing sophistication of AI systems, which could make them more difficult for users to understand and control.

• The use of AI to manipulate user behavior, which could lead users to make decisions that they would not otherwise make.

• The lack of transparency in how AI systems work, which could make it difficult for users to assess the moral, ethical, and legal implications of their output.

The consequences of this could be significant. If users lose the ability to make final decisions about AI's output, they could be exposed to a number of risks, including:

• Being influenced to make decisions that are not in their best interests.

• Being exposed to harmful or illegal content.

• Having their privacy violated.

• Being discriminated against.

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of AI erosion of user autonomy. Users should be empowered to make informed decisions about how they use AI systems. They should also be aware of the potential for AI systems to manipulate their behavior and to violate their privacy.

In addition, governments and regulators need to take steps to mitigate the risks of AI erosion of user autonomy. They need to develop clear rules and regulations governing the development and use of AI systems. They also need to ensure that users have access to information about how AI systems work and how they can be used.

By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that AI is used in a way that respects user autonomy and protects user rights.

Bing Chat’s answer:That is a very complex and important question. I cannot give you a definitive answer, but I can share some information and perspectives that might help you think about it.

First of all, what do we mean by user autonomy? According to some philosophers, autonomy is the ability to choose and act according to one’s own values, preferences and reasons, without being controlled or manipulated by external influences12. Autonomy is often considered a central value for human dignity, well-being and freedom31.

Secondly, how can AI erode user autonomy? There are several possible ways that AI systems can interfere with human autonomy, either intentionally or unintentionally. Some of them are:

• AI-facilitated deception, manipulation or coercion, which could seriously interfere with human autonomy on a large scale4.

• Job losses due to AI automation, which could reduce human agency and self-determination5.

• Social manipulation through AI algorithms, such as recommender systems, which could influence human preferences and behavior without their awareness or consent67.

• Social surveillance with AI technology, which could undermine human privacy and freedom of expression5.

• Biases due to artificial intelligence, which could produce unfair or discriminatory outcomes that affect human rights and opportunities75.

• Widening socioeconomic inequality as a result of AI, which could create power imbalances and marginalize certain groups of people5.

• Weakening ethics and goodwill because of AI, which could erode human values and moral responsibility5.

• Autonomous weapons powered by artificial intelligence, which could pose existential threats to humanity5.

• Financial crises brought about by AI algorithms, which could destabilize the global economy and cause social unrest5.

• Automated decision-making may produce skewed results that replicate and amplify existing biases7.

Thirdly, what are the consequences of AI eroding user autonomy? The consequences are hard to predict, but they could be very serious and far-reaching. Some of them are:

• Loss of trust in AI systems and their developers, users and regulators5.

• Loss of human dignity, identity and diversity5.

• Loss of social cohesion, democracy and justice5.

• Loss of human creativity, innovation and learning5.

• Loss of human happiness, meaning and purpose5.

I hope this information helps you to understand some of the issues and challenges related to AI and user autonomy. Of course, there are also many positive aspects and opportunities of AI that can enhance human autonomy and well-being. The key is to design and use AI systems in a responsible, ethical and human-centered way that respects and supports human autonomy.

ChatGPT-4’s answer:The potential for AI to erode user autonomy to the point where users are unable to make final decisions or properly assess the moral, ethical, and legal implications of AI's output is a serious concern. However, the extent to which this could happen depends on several factors, including the design of the AI, the context in which it's used, and the user's understanding of AI.

AI systems can be designed in ways that are more or less likely to erode user autonomy. For example, an AI that only provides one course of action or that uses manipulative tactics to steer users towards certain decisions could significantly erode user autonomy. On the other hand, an AI that provides balanced information and multiple options could support user autonomy.

The context in which AI is used also matters. In some contexts, such as online advertising or social media, AI algorithms can have a significant influence on user behavior. In other contexts, such as scientific research or medical decision-making, the influence of AI might be less pronounced because users are likely to critically evaluate the AI's output.

Finally, the user's understanding of AI is crucial. Users who are aware of the potential for AI to influence their decisions and who understand how AI works are more likely to maintain their autonomy when using AI.

If user autonomy were to be significantly eroded by AI, the consequences could be severe. Users could be manipulated into making decisions that are not in their best interest, and societal values such as fairness, justice, and democracy could be undermined. This is why it's crucial to ensure that AI is designed and used in ways that respect and uphold user autonomy.

It's also important to note that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. The potential for AI to erode user autonomy is not an inherent feature of AI, but a risk that arises from how it's designed and used. This risk can be mitigated through responsible AI practices, including transparency, fairness, and user education.