In December of 2022, I attended a conference at the Harvard Executive Center in which I first learned about the stunning acceleration of AI by one of the leading computer science researchers in the world. At that time, Chat GPT had just been released. Since then, I started using AI to summarize the literature related to topics I was exploring. In that short amount of time, AI has evolved with mind-blowing speed. I’m going to use this post as a way of demonstrating not only how it can save us lots of time, but also help us validate some of the questions we might have about life and the state of the world. And yes, I acknowledge the risks and dangers as well.
I believe if we ask the right questions, develop the right frameworks for representing the interconnectedness of all of the components of a problem, and process all of the interrelated parts—starting with a rigorous analysis of the facts—then we have a chance to survive and thrive. I will show how AI can help us take all those steps more efficiently and effectively. The evolution and acceleration of AI technologies has convinced me that we no longer have a choice about whether or not we change. The only question is, will we ride the waves of change to better lives, or will we drown in them by not asking the right questions or making the choices that change demands?
Let me start by asking a question related to the political changes happening right now in the US presidential race and then move to the causes and possible solutions for a variety of situations. Here is the question I asked Google Gemini:
“Write an essay on how the three factors of alienation, anger and attachment make it difficult for people (voting for Trump) to view the choice with impartial objectivity. Consider alienation in the light of how people feel victimized and betrayed by the system. Consider anger in the light of how people who are struggling economically resent elitist condescension. And consider attachment in the light of people so identified ideologically with the culture in which they live they are unable to see clearly or make wise and informed decisions
Google Gemini spit out this answer in precisely two seconds: (The prompt did not specifically mention Trump)
“In an ideal world, every decision we make would be the product of careful, rational consideration, free from bias or emotional sway. However, the complexities of human experience often cloud our judgment, making it difficult to view choices with impartial objectivity. Three key factors contribute to this phenomenon: alienation, anger, and attachment. These emotions, while natural and often justified, can significantly distort our perception and lead us to make decisions that are not in our best interests.
Alienation: The feeling of being isolated or excluded from a group or society can lead to a profound sense of victimization and betrayal. People who feel alienated often perceive the system as rigged against them, their voices unheard and their needs unmet. This sense of powerlessness can breed resentment and cynicism, making it difficult to trust information or perspectives that challenge their worldview. The resulting distrust can lead to a rejection of mainstream narratives and a susceptibility to conspiracy theories or other forms of misinformation. In this state of mind, it becomes increasingly difficult to make decisions based on objective evidence, as the lens through which one views the world is heavily tinted with suspicion and resentment.
Anger: Economic hardship and social inequality can ignite feelings of anger and resentment, particularly when those who are struggling perceive a lack of empathy or understanding from those in positions of power. The perception of elitist condescension can further exacerbate this anger, leading to a deep-seated distrust of those perceived to be privileged or out of touch. This resentment can make it difficult to engage in constructive dialogue or consider alternative perspectives, as the focus remains on the perceived injustices and the desire for retribution. In such a state of heightened emotion, the ability to make informed decisions becomes compromised, as anger clouds one’s judgment and fuels impulsive reactions.
Attachment: A strong identification with a particular ideology or culture can create a sense of belonging and purpose, but it can also lead to a blinkered perspective that makes it difficult to see clearly or make wise decisions. When one’s identity becomes intertwined with a specific set of beliefs, any challenge to those beliefs can be perceived as a personal attack. This can lead to a defensive posture and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints or information that contradicts one’s deeply held convictions. In this state of mind, objectivity becomes elusive, as the desire to protect one’s identity and sense of belonging overrides the pursuit of truth or the consideration of alternative options.
In conclusion, alienation, anger, and attachment are powerful emotions that can significantly impede our ability to view choices with impartial objectivity. While these emotions are often understandable and even justified, it is crucial to recognize their potential to distort our perception and cloud our judgment. By cultivating self-awareness and actively seeking out diverse perspectives, we can strive to transcend these limitations and make decisions that are truly in our best interests.”
Hmmm, I can’t imagine creating a summary of the situation any better, even if I had devoted hours to the task. In this case, it is very easy to see how the AI-generated answer, even though I didn’t mention Trump in the prompt, can easily be applied to the bewildering predicaments we are facing. In spite of all the objective evidence suggesting that Trump is entirely unfit and terribly dangerous to our health as a nation and a planet, he could still very well win because there are so many people who are angry, alienated, or attached that they can’t view the choice objectively. Yet the conservative media (and way too often the liberal media) continue to promote false equivalencies or “sanewash” the Trump phenomenon, i.e., make it look more normal or less radical than it really is—downplay its danger.
So I asked a follow-up question to see what Gemini might perceive as the reasons people have a hard time letting go of their anger, alienation, and attachment. My hypothesis was that the primary cause was an inability and/or an unwillingness to open up enough to change beliefs or give up a sense of belonging – no matter how destructive those choices were. Here is the answer Gemini created in less than two seconds:
“Change is an inevitable force that shapes our lives and the world around us. Whether it’s political movements, personal growth, societal shifts, or technological advancements, change is a constant presence. How we respond to change determines our ability to adapt, thrive, and contribute to a better future. Three essential ingredients fuel successful change: being open to the possibility of change, believing that positive change is achievable, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community undergoing transformation.
Being Open to Change:
The first step toward navigating change successfully is being open to its possibility. This requires acknowledging that the status quo is not static and that circumstances can evolve, often unexpectedly. By adopting a mindset of openness, we cultivate flexibility and a willingness to explore new ideas, approaches, and perspectives. This openness allows us to learn from change, adapt to its demands, and discover unforeseen opportunities.
Resistance to change, on the other hand, can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. When we cling to familiar patterns and resist the unknown, we limit our potential for growth and progress. Embracing change with an open mind empowers us to navigate its challenges and capitalize on its benefits.
Believing that Change is Possible:
Belief in the possibility of change is another critical factor in successfully navigating its currents. When we believe that positive change is achievable, we generate hope and optimism. This belief fuels our motivation, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles and work towards a better future. It empowers us to take risks, challenge the status quo, and pursue innovative solutions.
Conversely, a lack of belief in the possibility of change can lead to apathy and resignation. When we doubt our ability to influence our circumstances or create a better future, we become passive observers rather than active participants in shaping our destiny. Cultivating a belief in the power of change unlocks our potential to make a positive impact.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging:
Change often occurs within the context of a community, whether it’s a family, a workplace, or a society as a whole. Feeling a sense of belonging within this community is crucial for successful change. When individuals feel connected to others, they are more likely to embrace shared goals, support one another through challenges, and contribute their unique talents to the collective effort.
A sense of belonging fosters trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. It creates a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their ideas, take risks, and participate actively in shaping the future of the community. Without this sense of belonging, change efforts can become fragmented and divisive, hindering progress and undermining the potential for positive outcomes.
In conclusion, being open to change, believing that change is possible, and fostering a sense of belonging are essential ingredients in successful change. By cultivating these qualities, we can navigate the inevitable challenges of change with resilience, optimism, and a shared sense of purpose. Embracing change as an opportunity for growth and progress empowers us to shape a better future for ourselves and our communities.”
Sadly, in my view, most people who support Trump are not open to change, don’t believe the current system will change under liberal leadership, and are fiercely committed to a culture that they believe understands their sense of anger, alienation, and attachment to the MAGA community, Christian nationalism, or Proud Boys.
Asking the right questions, creating a framework to show the interconnected relationship of possible solutions, and processing information through the lens of a larger and lasting community good are the conditions required to generate sustainable solutions. As a global community, we are not doing any of those things well enough to generate innovative ways to create hope and build trust.
For me, the only chance we have of surviving the challenges we are facing now (climate change, nuclear war, famine, and political chaos) is to be willing to observe our current state of being (open or closed), question what we believe (embrace doubt), and create healthy communities in which we have a sense of belonging AND a more accurate sense of reality.
One of the biggest problems with all three of those steps is motivated ignorance. People don’t want to believe the facts staring them in the face because accepting those facts might demand immediate sacrifices. Apparently, people find it easier to create their own realities than to verify the actual facts on the ground, even when they are as dramatic as the floods, fires, fights, foolishness, and famine we are witnessing around the world. Media gaslighting makes it easier for people to create their own realities because the actual facts behind a situation are being intentionally undermined. If the truth is continually “burned down” by misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and outlandish lies about what is real, then you are free to create your own “reality.”
We saw that phenomenon play out in the Vance/Walz debate. Fact checkers called out Vance on 22 statements that were either false, misleading, or lacking evidence or context on critical issues. Walz was called out on 4 misleading comments, primarily about personal misrepresentations. It was essentially a debate between a polite liar calmly and convincingly conveying a false portrayal of what a Trump presidency would mean and a bumbling but decent man genuinely advocating for a more sane and humane approach to the world.
To me, it doesn’t seem that hard. Being open is simply an attitude, but we are living in a culture in which too many young people are anxiety-ridden and too many of the older generations are too grievance driven to risk opening up. It’s hard to pry open any crack in the defensive walls people shrink behind to let in a new idea or entertain a new possibility.
Believing means seeing the possibilities for change given the right conditions. It only requires a willingness to open up to fresh, new creative solutions. It only requires the capabilities to frame problems in multi-dimensional ways. But it also means letting go of some of the beliefs they hold that run counter to the openness of new ideas.
Experiencing a sense of belonging occurs when we feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. It doesn’t seem like too much to ask that we understand and respect differences even though we may not agree with them.
I intentionally used the AI generated answers to the questions I was posing in this post to emphasize how rapidly our world is changing. Just two years ago, it would have been unimaginable to believe that we could raise extremely complex questions and get fairly comprehensive, concise, and compelling responses in two seconds based on an extensive scan of all the literature and research related to the question. And now, AI substantiates its answers by providing readily accessible sources that enable us to verify the accuracy and credibility of its responses. Thus, we can assess the rigor of the scientific evidence and the soundness of the research supporting the answers by simply digging a little deeper.
If the floods, fires, fighting, foolishness, and famines don’t convince us that global changes require us to make immediate choices, then maybe reading the answers that AI generated in two seconds may shock us into action. While AI may be the easiest way to get quick answers, however, humans are still required to check the facts and ask the hardest questions. AI can’t feel. It can’t frame problems in multi-dimensional ways. And it can’t generate new and fresh responses to the changing conditions we are confronting—at least not yet. I’m hoping we finally quit denying that change is here. I’m hoping we realize we have the agency to make choices. And I hope that we start creating innovative and sustainable solutions to the choices we are facing. Finally, I’m hoping we make the right choices in the months ahead based on all the available facts. May it be so.
Also published on Medium.
May it be so indeed! Thank you Ricky❤️
I would be interested to see what the AI response is to a prompt on a similar vein but crafted to encourage a response supporting the Trump/Maga perspective. It’s easy to see the validation based on a viewpoint that you and I clearly share, but in the spirit of open-mindedness would be very interested in the view from the other side.