How AI Destroys Institutions

Abstract

Civic institutions—like the rule of law, higher education, and a free press—are the backbone of democratic life. They are the mechanisms through which complex societies encourage cooperation and stability, while also adapting to changing circumstances. The real power of institutions is their ability to evolve and adapt within a hierarchy of authority and framework for roles and rules while maintaining legitimacy in the knowledge produced and action taken. Purpose-driven institutions built around transparency, cooperation, and accountability empower individuals to take intellectual risks and challenge the status quo. This happens through the machinations of interpersonal relationships within organizations that comprise institutions. These everyday interactions broaden perspectives and strengthens shared commitment to societal goals.

Unfortunately, the affordances of AI systems extinguish these institutional features at every turn. In this Article, we make one simple point: AI systems are built to function in ways that degrade and are likely to destroy our crucial civic institutions. The affordances of AI systems erode expertise, short-circuit decision-making, and isolate people from each other. They are anathema to the kind of evolution, transparency, cooperation, and accountability that give vital institutions their purpose and sustainability. In short, current AI systems are a death sentence for civic institutions, and we should treat them as such.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, institutions, expertise