Diffusion Theory on AI

 Applying the diffusion theory to the new invention of artificial intelligence chatbots reshapes the perspective towards the daunting change it might elicit from our society. In the past few years, AI has exploded in popularity, with a range of opinions regarding its benefit. 

The diffusion theory is a means to explain the rate of adoption for new inventions, as there are many different components involved in the spread. Looking through this lens, there is no surprise of why AI has become as popular as it is. It can be read more upon its wikipedia page here.

AI, like all inventions, had a set of early adopters. However, for this invention, the type of early adopter ranged across several cultures. Due to AI’s ability to help in several facets of our society, there were all types of people that found use in it immediately. Early adopters looked like communication and technology companies, writers, planners, and various other communities that needed quick access to information. 

This large net of early adopters allowed for the technology to flourish, gaining traction immediately. However, opposing these early adopters, many people looked at AI with scrutiny. For some, AI seems to encroach on the workforce of many industries, human creativity, and human intellect. It is also fair to assume that there have been faults in the technology that continue to be fixed. You can read more about this here. These reasons have led many to adopt AI later than its initial release or continue to have strong opinions against it. 

Personally, I struggle with AI. I value human creativity beyond the assistance of artificial intelligence as it comes to storytelling. To completely pass off the plot development process to AI is half-hearted and lazy. However, the use of grammar assistance is helpful. So, I can recognize the use for AI, but do believe that it can be overused. 

The danger of AI is over-dependence on it. For someone to completely rely on AI in any circumstance would threaten the fundamental need for humans to learn. AI is a slippery slope: it may provide a helpful hand, but can just as easily pull the rug right out from under whatever it is involved in. AI, as it is so new, should be observed closely, used carefully, and understood, for it will undoubtedly change the future, one way or another.