Navigating the Utopia and Dystopia Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence

Carroll, Noel; Holmström, Jonny; Stahl, Bernd C.; Fabian, Nicolai E.

Abstract

This article examines the complex implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in societal and commercial contexts and challenges both utopian and dystopian perspectives. It highlights two key areas: AI’s impact on the meaning of labor and on human-machine interaction. We argue that AI will not only displace jobs but also enhance employment by augmenting human capabilities. While fears of automation are rooted in current socio-economic structures, AI has the potential to shift discourse towards a more optimistic view, emphasizing human augmentation. The article advocates for a balanced approach to harness AI’s potential while mitigating alarmism. We also call for further research into AI's future trajectory aiming to harness its benefits while addressing associated risks and concerns.

Citation

Carroll, N., Holmström, J., Stahl, B. C., & Fabian, N. E. (in press). Navigating the Utopia and Dystopia Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 55(1), Article 33. https://doi.org/10.17705/1cais.05533

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 10, 2025
• Journal: Communications of the Association for Information Systems
• Electronic ISSN: 1529-3181
• Publisher: Association for Information Systems
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 55
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 33
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17705/1cais.05533
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/42219638
• Publisher URL: https://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol55/iss1/32/