Beyond Workflow: Reclaiming Humanity in the Age of AI through Assistive Intelligence

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the language we use to describe artificial intelligence profoundly shapes our perception of its role in society. Terms like "workflow" or "process "and the relentless pursuit of digital transformation through to semi and full automation strip away the very essence of human interaction, leaving us feeling like mere cogs in a machine. This is not only dehumanizing but alienates people who feel they are in fact becoming a subhuman class. 

The working day, far from becoming stressful, is being filled with a digital busyness, just a treadmill that funds the monthly bills. Security, health, wellbeing, aspiration and the work ethic are far more vital in a consumer economy than non stop calls for efficiency and digital transformation for process improvement sake. Surely it is time to shift our perspective and embrace a more human-centered approach: the era of "assistive intelligence."

The Dangers of Dehumanization

The clinical, often impersonal, tone prevalent in AI hype and the day to day AI chatbot interactions themselves, fosters a sense of detachment. Not being a Marxist fan I see this in his division of labour and alienation, albeit not from the ownership of the means of production angle. We risk transforming human beings into data points, overlooking the nuances of emotion, creativity, and the individuality that define us and got us out of the caves in the first place. This is especially seen when AI is used to mimic artistic styles, without proper ethical considerations.

The Ethical Quandary of AI Art

The recent surge in AI-generated art, particularly 

styles reminiscent of iconic creators like Studio Ghibli, has ignited a crucial ethical debate. While the technology's ability to replicate artistic styles is undeniably impressive, it raises serious concerns about:

• Copyright Infringement: Are AI models trained on existing artwork violating the rights of the original creators?
• Artistic Integrity: Does the mechanical reproduction of artistic styles diminish the value of human creativity and expression?
• Respect for Creators: It is imperative that the works of human artists are respected, and that AI development occurs with those concerns in mind.

Embracing Assistive Intelligence

Instead of striving for autonomous systems that replace human input, we should focus on developing AI that enhances our capabilities. Assistive intelligence emphasizes collaboration, support, and empowerment. Its about creating tools that:

• Aid us in complex repetitive tasks.
• Provide information and resources.
• Foster creativity and innovation.

A Human-Centered Approach

To ensure that AI serves humanity, we must prioritize:

• Human-centered communication: Using language that is clear, concise, and respectful.
• Ethical awareness: Acknowledging the potential risks and working to mitigate them.
• Collaboration: Working with AI as a tool, not as a replacement.

By adopting this approach, we can harness the power of AI while preserving the invaluable qualities that make us human. 

In conclusion, the development of AI requires a strong ethical foundation. It is very important to make sure that AI serves to assist humanity, and not to replace it. The narrative around AI needs to shift to Assistive rather than Artificial. It's not just about big tech and futuristic robots. It's about empowering individuals and communities to create a better world. By embracing private, affordable AI solutions, we can move beyond the hype and unlock the true potential of this transformative technology for the benefit of people and planet.

Written by Neil Gentleman-Hobbs, smartR AI