The complexities and challenges of Ai vs/and Human Communication

As someone who has studied, taught, and spoke on communication around the world for over two decades, I'm seeing how Ai is affecting the landscape in both helpful and damaging ways.

I'm continuing my research on this subject and ironically am using Ai to gather sources of scientific studies and what other experts are saying - always double checking the original source!

Here is something I found that helps shed some light on what Ai CAN'T do. And yes, this has been edited by Ai for clarity but the thoughts are mine.

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1.3 The Role of Vulnerability and Authenticity

Perhaps the most significant component of Fisher’s philosophy, and the one most threatened by AI, is vulnerability. Fisher identifies vulnerability as a primary key to overcoming challenges. In the context of the "Culture of Us," vulnerability is the willingness to expose one’s true self—flaws, doubts, and emotions—to another. It is this exposure that builds trust.

Research in social psychology supports Fisher’s stance, suggesting that intimacy and trust are the products of reciprocal disclosure. When one person reveals something personal, it invites the other to do the same, creating a bond. Fisher advises individuals to connect deeply with their "true self" and the "story" they tell themselves. This internal authenticity is the prerequisite for external connection.

In an AI-mediated world, vulnerability becomes complicated. Can one be vulnerable with a machine? If an AI polishes our emails to remove uncertainty and anxiety, are we presenting our "true selves" or a sanitized avatar? Fisher’s work suggests that the "messiness" of human interaction is not a defect to be optimized away, but the very substance of relationship. By learning that "the keys to overcoming life's challenges are found in mental wellness, vulnerability, and connection," Fisher positions the "Culture of Us" as a counter-narrative to the perfectionism often promised by technological augmentation.

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A Culture of Us™ is not for or against the use of Ai, but I and my team are exploring ways to do it smartly while keeping the messiness of the human condition intact.

Nothing is set in stone. The mass use of Ai is barely out of the womb. There will be stumbling along the way. If all of us are willing to learn and grow together, in our human messiness, I'm optimistic we can integrate Ai into our lives in healthy and environmentally sustainable ways.

I have gathered over 100 sources of study that I am going through and building a keynote on this subject.

Any research or insights you have are welcome (I'm not looking for reactionary impulsive opinions positive or negative). The reality is Ai is here and although we can regulate it and slow it, we can't put the genie back in the bottle. The question now is, how do we live with it while keeping our humanness?

That's a difficult but attainable road.

Stay tuned.