AI Narratives

In the summer of 2024, we started a project that surfaces AI Narratives. We believe humans use stories as a frame of reference that then is reproduced in developments they make. First, we dream of landing on the moon or flying - then we realize it. We were not doing it alone, one of our teammates was an AI assistant. Thus, we felt compelled to drill down on the perspective that it was bringing to the project. And so, the AI biases were born.

This is a collaborative project on AI narratives, which emerged from our shared interests in technology and storytelling. We aim to explore the complexities of AI narratives and intersubjectivity, emphasizing that we do not aim to define AI but rather use the term as a core for our research. 

Understanding Narratives and AI Intersubjectivity

This story begins by defining narratives as brief stories that reflect our perceptions of phenomena and influence the development of technologies. These narratives provide directionality and shape how we understand the impact of technology on society. 

In contrast, our definition of AI revolves around the concept of intersubjectivity, highlighting the shared understanding among individuals rather than relying on strictly academic definitions. This approach acknowledges that while narratives can be contested, they play a crucial role in shaping our collective understanding of AI. 

Personal Motivations and Background

We both share their motivations and backgrounds to contextualize their perspectives. 

Kasia Kaminska comes from a background in startup culture and tech innovation, having transitioned from law to technology. Initially enthusiastic about the collaborative spirit in tech, she later grew disillusioned with the prevalent mindset that technology could solve all problems without considering broader societal contexts. Her earlier academic work on the rights of robots, inspired by science fiction, laid the groundwork for her interest in how narratives influence AI development.

Kasia Zaniewska's background is in social sciences, particularly anthropology. She notes that language is a vital component of culture and that stories shape our understanding of the world. Her experience in market research and UX research has made her acutely aware of how soft skills are often sidelined in favor of more quantitative approaches. This observation has fuelled her desire to integrate social science perspectives into technology discussions.

Key Objectives

The hosts outline three key objectives guiding their inquiry into AI narratives: 

Exploring AI Polarization

 They observe a clear divide between technoptimists who believe technology will save the world and technopessimists who criticize its environmental impact. This polarisation pressures individuals to choose sides, which they argue is an oversimplification of a complex issue. 

Broader Impacts Beyond Technology

 The conversation around AI often focuses narrowly on technical aspects, neglecting economic, social, and environmental implications. They emphasize the need for a more holistic view considering these broader impacts. 

Historical Context

We question whether current developments in AI represent an unprecedented revolution or if there are historical precedents from which lessons can be learned. This perspective encourages critical thinking about past technological shifts and their societal implications.

In conclusion, we invite you to engage with the complexities of AI narratives beyond binary thinking. They advocate for recognizing the multifaceted impacts of technology on society while acknowledging the roles played by various stakeholders. By sharing their journey through this podcast series, they hope to foster deeper conversations about the future of AI and its integration into our lives, moving beyond simplistic narratives toward a more nuanced understanding of technology's role in shaping our world.