Conditioned Autonomy
Aarthika Solayappan
Do we still need to think when a machine can do it faster for us?
As technology becomes part of who we are becoming, we fail to realise that our thought processes are subtly guided by automated systems, much like artificial intelligence. Conditioned Autonomy is an experiment-based research designed to observe how cognitive agency and intention are negotiated between humans and AI.
AI is a powerful tool when used as an accessory to the human mind, not as a replacement for it. The research methodology for this experiment involves analyzing user behavior as they interact with a tool that aims to make an aspect of the "black box" transparent by simplifying the concept of AI image generation. The user can choose to be involved in the generation process by processing their input manually, or they can automate the entire process. Through this, the results aim to answer a few simple questions: Do we put in the effort and give ourselves time to think? How much of the process did you think you had under control?
Our thinking tends to slow down and shift when we interact with these opaque systems—systems that rely on algorithms and probabilities for efficiency. Systems that not many people understand, partly because they have become available too quickly. Without awareness, interaction with these technologies can become a slippery slope of falling into a pattern and an endless loop of mindless questions in search of an answer you’ll never truly get.