This is a high-potential conceptual framework that correctly identifies AI and social media as joint drivers of democratic transformation rather than isolated technologies. Its strongest contribution is normative clarity and systems thinking!!!
I am leaning toward the conclusion that the critical systems thinking question is to ask of each system component (intelligent agent or tool) “who does it serve?” All else is commentary, including my framings of “freedom of attention” (/impression) and my Three Pillars - in which the Social Mediation Ecosystem pillar is being most badly neglected.
A strong submission will likely go beyond describing AI as a tool and instead treat it as a cultural condition something that reshapes how we define creativity, authority, and even “poetry” itself. Essays that succeed will probably connect abstract theory to lived experience: how people actually interact with AI systems in writing, art, and decision-making.
I would be all about this if I was available that weekend. Excited to follow along!
Sounds very stimulating and important to saving democracy. Wish I could go, hope to see a report!
BTW, I am working on a piece that relates broadly to some of these ideas (and seeking feedback on my working outline): https://docs.google.com/document/d/19XkqIffKk_XWCtdqlccoL5TQmGeR5cA_SY4YtqO5pVo/edit?tab=t.0
This is a high-potential conceptual framework that correctly identifies AI and social media as joint drivers of democratic transformation rather than isolated technologies. Its strongest contribution is normative clarity and systems thinking!!!
I am leaning toward the conclusion that the critical systems thinking question is to ask of each system component (intelligent agent or tool) “who does it serve?” All else is commentary, including my framings of “freedom of attention” (/impression) and my Three Pillars - in which the Social Mediation Ecosystem pillar is being most badly neglected.
Tocqueville’s tutelary power is problematic precisely because it serves us!
Ah, yes. The existential question of what are we optimizing for — and the principle that “not only what, but also how matters” https://www.bsfrey.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/introducing-procedural-utility-not-only-what-but-also-how-matters.pdf
Why/how is that problematic rather than helpful?
For any system we can ask the question: “what does its service make of the one it serves?”
A power can, for example, advance your interests completely while atrophying your capacity to author interests of your own
A strong submission will likely go beyond describing AI as a tool and instead treat it as a cultural condition something that reshapes how we define creativity, authority, and even “poetry” itself. Essays that succeed will probably connect abstract theory to lived experience: how people actually interact with AI systems in writing, art, and decision-making.
Thank you for organising this contest. Do you know when the finalists will be announced?
Hi Hessam, we've now selected the two winners and will be announcing these + posting the essays after the Tocqueville and Technology event!
Thanks. 🙏