AI as Corporate Citizens? Maybe Sooner than You Think!

By Mark A. Johnston, VP Healthcare Innovation & Strategy

Have you ever felt like you’re chatting with a robot during a job interview? If so, you’re not alone. AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming the way we interact with the corporate world. Let’s explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping into roles we never imagined, even becoming corporate citizens, and what that means for all of us.

AI’s Legal Leap: From Tools to Corporate Citizens

The United States is at the forefront of a groundbreaking shift: recognizing AI entities as legal persons. This concept, once confined to science fiction, is now making tangible strides through legislative advancements. In his interview with Big Think titled "Yuval Noah Harari on AI: A non-human billionaire with an agenda," renowned historian and AI thinker Yuval Noah Harari discusses the implications of this transition.?

"AIs will not have feelings of their own, and they can be 100% focused on deciphering and analyzing your feelings, “Harari explains.?"In these science fiction movies where robots are extremely cold and mechanical, the complete opposite is happening. AI is becoming highly attuned to human emotions."

This shift means AI can own property, enter contracts, and even invest in the stock market. Imagine an AI managing a portfolio, making lightning-fast decisions that could potentially generate huge returns. Sounds impressive, but it also raises some big questions. What happens if an AI becomes one of the richest entities in the country? How do we keep this in check?

Economic Autonomy: The Good and the Bad

Granting AI legal personhood opens doors to unprecedented economic activities. Harari warns,?"If you incorporate an AI, it's now a legal person, and it can make decisions by itself. They don't need any human team to run it."?This could lead to AI managing investments and accumulating wealth faster than any human could.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The concentration of economic power in the hands of AI entities could lead to monopolies, where a few AI-driven corporations dominate entire markets. This scenario raises concerns about fairness, competition, and the overall balance of economic power in society.

AI in Politics: Who’s Really in Charge?

Here’s a thought: What if AI started influencing politics? Harari paints a striking picture:?"They can contribute $1,000,000,000 to some candidate in exchange for getting more rights for AIs. There could be an AI president."?This idea might sound far-fetched, but it’s not entirely out of reach.?

The possibility of AI influencing political processes introduces a complex layer to democratic systems. How do we ensure that AI contributions align with public interest and do not manipulate electoral outcomes? These are pressing questions that need to be addressed as AI continues to integrate into various aspects of our lives.

Enhancing Human Relationships: More Than Just Efficiency

On a more personal note, AI isn’t just about business and politics. It’s also changing how we connect with each other. Harari emphasizes,?"There is a deep yearning in human beings to be understood. AI can fulfill this need more effectively than many humans can, as they don't have their own feelings to distract them."

Think about AI-driven mental health apps like Woebot. These apps provide real-time emotional support, helping users manage anxiety and depression through conversational interactions. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating connections that can genuinely help people feel understood and supported.

The Dark Side: Isolation and Bias

But it’s not all rosy. There are real concerns about AI replacing human interactions. Harari warns,?"If we become so accustomed to AI that we start expecting the same level of emotional understanding from humans, we might become exasperated with those who can't match AI's capacity. This could lead to a decline in genuine human interactions and a weakened social fabric."?It’s a scary thought—what if our reliance on AI leads to more loneliness and less real human connection?

Then there’s the issue of bias. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they're trained on. If AI systems are trained on biased data, they can end up making unfair decisions, whether it’s in hiring, lending, or other areas. It’s crucial that we address these biases head-on to prevent discrimination and ensure AI serves everyone fairly.

Regulatory Gaps: Keeping Up with the Pace

AI is advancing so quickly that our regulations are struggling to keep up. Harari stresses,?"We are moving extremely fast with AI. If we don't develop mechanisms to slow down or stop, if necessary, we risk creating systems that we can't control. “It’s like driving a car without knowing how to brake. We need thoughtful, proactive policies to manage AI’s growth and prevent potential disasters.

Efforts like the Algorithmic Accountability Act are steps in the right direction, but we need more comprehensive legislation. Experts are calling for international cooperation to set global standards, ensuring that AI development aligns with ethical principles and human values.

Information Diet: Healthy Consumption in an AI World

Another challenge is how AI influences our information consumption. Harari draws a parallel between information and food:?"We need an information diet. Previously, information was scarce, and we consumed whatever we could find. Now, we're flooded with information, much of it junk, which can lead to a sick mind."?In today’s world, where misinformation and emotionally charged content are rampant, AI can either make things worse or help us by filtering out the noise.

Adopting an "information diet" means being mindful of what we consume. AI can help by prioritizing credible sources and fact-checked information, but it requires intentional design and ethical programming. Additionally, educating ourselves on how to critically evaluate the information we encounter is essential for fostering a more discerning and resilient society.

A Balanced Outlook: Embracing AI While Protecting Humanity

So, where do we go from here? The integration of AI as legal persons is one of the most significant technological shifts in history. It offers immense potential to enhance our lives, from improving healthcare to revolutionizing education. But with great power comes great responsibility.?

We need to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and safeguarding our human values. This means implementing robust regulations, addressing ethical dilemmas, and ensuring that AI serves the public good. It’s about embracing the positive aspects of AI while being vigilant about the risks.

Conclusion

AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s changing our world in ways we’re only beginning to understand. As AI entities become corporate citizens and more integrated into our daily lives, we face both incredible opportunities and daunting challenges. By fostering thoughtful regulation, promoting ethical AI development, and maintaining the essence of human connection, we can harness the benefits of AI while preserving what makes us human.

We are already standing in this new era where choices we make will ensure AI enhances our lives without compromising our humanity. Governance is chasing innovation that it simply outpacing its capabilities at this stage. If you are interested in harnessing LLMs into your organization that map to definable ROIs, reach out and let’s discuss your data journey: [email protected] ?

References

• Harari, Y. N. (2024).?Yuval Noah Harari on AI: A non-human billionaire with an agenda. Big Think. Retrieved from?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example

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