AI addiction, an obsession that devours our future?

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has skyrocketed into our daily lives. From virtual assistants to predictive algorithms, we have opened the doors to an era where AI is integrated into our lives in unexpected ways. However, after the initial fascination, a shadow emerges that hangs over this technological revolution: the addiction to the excessive use of Artificial Intelligence.

Imagine a world where dependence on AI exceeds the limits of what is healthy, where the frenetic search for efficiency and comfort plunges us into an abyss of disconnection from reality. This is not a distant dystopia, but a latent threat lurking in our present.

How can AI be addictive, you ask? The answer lies in its ability to satisfy our needs instantly and efficiently, which can generate a feeling of dependence and immediate gratification. From social networks to recommendation systems, AI has infiltrated our lives in subtle but overwhelming ways.

One of the greatest risks of this addiction is the loss of autonomy and discernment. How many times have we accepted a purchase suggestion without questioning its validity? How many hours have we spent in front of screens, absorbing information filtered by algorithms designed to keep us hooked?

But AI addiction goes beyond the personal sphere. In the workplace, AI-driven automation threatens to displace millions of workers, creating a widening socioeconomic gap. Furthermore, over-reliance on AI in critical sectors such as health or safety can push us to the brink, where a technical failure could have catastrophic consequences.

However, all is not lost. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards the solution. It is crucial to promote responsible and ethical use of AI, promoting digital literacy and critical awareness about its implications. Furthermore, it is imperative that governments and companies assume their responsibility in the regulation and ethical development of this technology.

Most used AIs in the current market:

GPT-4: The Next Generation of Language Models:
Developed by OpenAI, GPT-4 is the culmination of years of AI research. With an unprecedented ability to understand and generate text naturally, this language model is an indispensable tool for tasks ranging from machine writing to language translation.

AlphaFold 2: Revolutionizing Molecular Biology:
Created by DeepMind, AlphaFold 2 has revolutionized the way protein structure is predicted. Its unprecedented accuracy in predicting the three-dimensional structure of proteins is paving the way for significant advances in medical and pharmaceutical research.

Tesla Autopilot: Leading the Autonomous Vehicle Revolution:
Elon Musk's vision of an autonomous driving future is closer than ever thanks to the Tesla Autopilot system. By combining advanced sensors and deep learning algorithms, this AI is taking road safety and efficiency to a new level.

Google Duplex: The AI that Speaks for You:
Have you ever wished you had a personal assistant who could make calls on your behalf? With Google Duplex, that wish has come true. This AI is capable of naturally and autonomously making phone calls, booking appointments, making restaurant reservations, and more.

IBM Watson: Powering Innovation in Health:
IBM's Watson is a pioneer in the field of AI applied to health. From medical diagnosis to drug research, this platform is accelerating progress in healthcare and improving the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare professionals.

In general, mental health professionals, such as clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, are the ones who treat this type of pathology. These professionals are trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of behavior-related disorders, including technology addictions. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, to help individuals understand and overcome their dependence on AI.

Additionally, given the technological aspect of this addiction, technology and ethicists can also play an important role in treatment and prevention. These professionals can provide guidance on how to use technology in healthier and more ethical ways, as well as develop tools and resources to help people control their use of AI.

In terms of studies on addiction to AI use, it is a growing area of research, although it is still relatively limited compared to other more established addictions. However, research is being conducted to better understand the factors that contribute to this addiction, its consequences, and the most effective treatments. These studies can range from surveys and interviews with people experiencing this addiction to experimental studies on the impact of AI on the human brain and behavior.
Ultimately, the future of AI is not set in stone. It is up to us, as a society, to take the reins of this technological revolution and direct it towards a path of balance and well-being for all.
References
https://theconversation.com/drugs-robots-and-the-pursuit-of-pleasure-why-experts-are-worried-about-ais-becoming-addicts-163376
https://www.thejoint.com/2024/02/01/ai-addiction-nothing-artificial-about-a-new-dependency
https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/nida-asks/can-ai-learn-language-addiction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5837980/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-ai-addiction-impacting-health-raj-hayer