AI Chatbots

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts David and Ellie delve into the pervasive influence of AI chatbots, particularly large language models (LLMs), on various aspects of modern life. They explore how these AI technologies are utilized in everyday tasks, education, and even emotional self-assessment, while also raising concerns about the ethical and societal implications. They discuss the nature of LLMs as text prediction machines, the economic forces driving AI development, and the potential for cognitive and emotional outsourcing. Drawing on philosophical perspectives and current research, the hosts critique the tendency to anthropomorphize AI, the environmental costs of its development, and the potential for AI to exacerbate social inequalities. They also touch on the dangers of AI-driven therapy and companionship, highlighting the risks of transference, psychosis, and even AI-influenced suicide. Ultimately, they advocate for a more critical and Luddite approach to AI, urging listeners to resist its uncritical adoption and organize against its potentially harmful effects.