The Dispatch
Daily · Synthesized · Opinionated
opinionThursday, May 21, 2026·3 min read

Shunning AI is the Human Choice

As AI becomes more prevalent, people are starting to question its impact on society and human agency, with some arguing it's a threat to human judgment and autonomy

Robotic hand with articulated fingers reaching towards the sky on a blue background.
Photo: Tara Winstead

The recent trend of AI being forced upon society has led to a growing backlash, with many people questioning its impact on human agency and autonomy. This pushback is not just about the potential risks and biases of AI, but also about the fundamental changes it is bringing to the human experience. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is altering the way we make choices, exercise judgment, and interact with the world around us.

What happened

The use of AI has become widespread, with applications in various fields such as education, healthcare, and finance. However, this has also led to concerns about the potential risks and biases of AI, as well as its impact on human agency and autonomy. For instance, the use of AI in hiring and firing decisions has raised questions about fairness and transparency. Similarly, the reliance on AI in law enforcement has sparked debates about racial bias and discrimination. The growing use of AI has also led to a shift in the way we make choices and exercise judgment. With AI-powered recommendation engines, we are increasingly relying on machines to curate our cultural experiences and make decisions for us. This has significant implications for human autonomy and the development of practical judgment. Furthermore, the use of AI in various fields has also led to a loss of traditional skills and ways of thinking. For example, the reliance on GPS systems has atrophied our native capacity to orient ourselves, while the use of AI-powered writing tools has changed the way we write and communicate.

Why it matters

The impact of AI on human agency and autonomy is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of relying on machines to make decisions for us. This includes the potential risks and biases of AI, as well as its impact on human judgment and autonomy. The use of AI also raises significant questions about the future of work and the role of humans in the economy. As machines become more capable of performing tasks that were previously done by humans, there is a growing concern about the potential for job displacement and unemployment.

+ Pros
  • AI can process large amounts of data and make decisions faster and more accurately than humans.
  • AI can help automate routine tasks and free up human time for more creative and strategic work.
  • AI can provide personalized recommendations and improve customer experiences.
Cons
  • AI can perpetuate biases and discrimination if it is trained on biased data.
  • AI can displace human jobs and exacerbate income inequality.
  • AI can erode human autonomy and agency if it is relied upon too heavily.

How to think about it

When considering the use of AI, it's essential to think critically about its potential impact on human agency and autonomy. This includes evaluating the potential risks and biases of AI, as well as its potential benefits and advantages. It's also crucial to consider the long-term implications of relying on machines to make decisions for us and to think about how we can mitigate the negative effects of AI.

FAQ

What are the potential risks of relying on AI?+
The potential risks of relying on AI include the perpetuation of biases and discrimination, the displacement of human jobs, and the erosion of human autonomy and agency.
How can we mitigate the negative effects of AI?+
We can mitigate the negative effects of AI by evaluating its potential risks and biases, considering its long-term implications, and thinking critically about its use.
What are the potential benefits of using AI?+
The potential benefits of using AI include the automation of routine tasks, the provision of personalized recommendations, and the improvement of customer experiences.
Sources
  1. 01Shunning AI is the human choice
  2. 02Hating AI is good, actually
  3. 03Colloquy Podcast: The Problem with Humanizing AI | The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  4. 04AI is killing choice and chance – which means changing what it means to be human