‘What Happens Next?’: Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality?

Monash University’s thought-provoking podcast, What Happens Next?, kicks off its ninth season with one of the most pressing issues of the day – the impact of artificial intelligence on our perception of reality. Hosted by academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland, the season premiere brings together a multidisciplinary group of experts to better-understand the quickly-shifting landscape of AI and emerging technologies.

As AI rapidly evolves, our understanding of truth, human interaction and society is being challenged like never before. Today’s episode guides you through this intricate web of technological advancements and their far-reaching implications, offering enlightening – and cautionary – insights.

Reality’s blurring lines

As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing fact from fiction is growing more challenging. Professor Geoff Webb, a world-leading professor of data science and AI in Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology, notes that AI’s current capabilities “simply didn't exist five years ago”. This rapid advancement has led to a world where even the evidence of our own eyes may not be trustworthy.

The rise of deepfake technology, in particular, poses significant challenges. Futurist Dr Ben Hamer, host of the ThinkerTank podcast, warns that deepfakes can be “so sophisticated that it can be really quite deceiving”, potentially influencing everything from our democratic systems to our daily interactions.

“There's a statistic that says that more of Gen Z feel they can be their most authentic selves in virtual worlds than in the real world. And that's the first-ever generation to say that.”

– Futurist Dr Ben Hamer

Redefining human-AI interaction

As we grapple with these changes, we’re also rethinking our relationship with technology. Professor Joanna Batstone, Director of the Monash University Data Futures Institute, believes we're “relearning what the interaction of human and computer looks like in this next generation of artificial intelligence”.

This shift extends to robotics, too, as humanoid robots become increasingly accessible and capable. Sue Keay, Chair of Robotics Australia Group, discusses how advancements in AI are making it possible for robots to understand and respond to increasingly complex instructions, creating enormous potential for the use of these machines in our daily lives.

The psychological impact

The psychological effects of these technologies are profound. Keay says humans respond differently to humanoid robots than to other forms of technology, often viewing them as more neutral and objective. This perception can lead to a phenomenon known as “robotic nudging”, where robots can influence human behaviour – in both positive and potentially concerning ways.

“You are much more likely to take advice from a humanoid robot than you would be to take advice from your phone or your iPad, or indeed from another human,” she says.

Even more striking is the emergence of AI companions. Ben Hamer points out that these entities are already being used for everything from mental health support to spiritual advice. Not only that, younger generations often feel more comfortable interacting with AI than with humans on sensitive topics.

Listen: Are Our Machines a Little Too Human?

Navigating an ethical minefield

The nefarious use of emerging technology keeps hitting the headlines, and for good reason. In the political sphere, the potential for AI to distort reality during elections is a growing concern. Ben Wellings, an associate professor of politics and international relations in Monash’s Faculty of Arts, highlights how AI-generated content can create confusion that can be used as a tactic of political theatre.

Associate Professor Stephanie Collins, Director of Monash’s Politics, Philosophy and Economics course, adds another layer to this discussion, highlighting how social construction plays a critical role in our shared reality. She explains that while some things exist independently of human perception (like planets and rocks), other crucial elements of our society – including money, elections and political power – exist because of collective agreement.

This becomes particularly relevant when considering how AI and misinformation can shape these social constructs. As Collins notes, even if a conspiracy theory isn’t based in fact, the widespread belief in it creates a real phenomenon that carries genuine social and political impact, requiring engagement rather than dismissal.

The use of AI and humanoid robots in areas such as aged care and early childhood development raises additional questions about the balance between technological assistance and human interaction.

‘What if things go right?’

Despite the challenges, there's room for optimism. As we navigate this new landscape, critical thinking and digital literacy will be more important than ever. And by understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI, the episode guests agree that we can harness its potential while mitigating its risks, shaping a future where humans and AI coexist in ways that enhance rather than diminish our reality.

Listen: Are Humans About to Evolve?

The conversation about AI, reality and human interaction is just beginning. As these technologies continue to evolve, our approaches to understanding and engaging with them must evolve, too.

Next week on What Happens Next?, Susan Carland and her guests will examine the many ways we can work towards a future where technology enhances the human experience rather than detracting from it. Don’t miss a moment of season nine – subscribe now on your favourite podcast app.

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