dissonance induced cognitive divergence

Published On: 11/21/24, 16:13

Author: Julian Bleecker

Contributor: Julian Bleecker

Fictional Ailments and Treatments from Agentic AI

Based on our previous conversation about the potential negative impacts of AI, and drawing on themes in the sources, here are some fictional medical terminologies and descriptions of acute cases, which could be used for your Design Fiction artifacts:

Over-Reliance on AI and Diminished Cognitive Skills:

Syndrome: Spatial Atrophy Syndrome (SAS)
Description: Caused by over-reliance on AI navigation systems, leading to a decline in spatial reasoning, memory, and the ability to navigate independently.
- Acute Case: A patient presents with disorientation and anxiety when attempting to navigate a familiar route without their AI assistant. They report feeling lost and confused, even in environments they previously knew well.
Treatment: Cognitive Retraining Therapy (CRT), involving guided exercises to re-engage spatial reasoning and memory skills.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Lost in your own neighborhood? Feeling spatially challenged? CRT can help you regain your cognitive independence!”
Syndrome: Information Fatigue Disorder (IFD)
Description: A cognitive ailment resulting from the constant consumption of curated information provided by AI, leading to a decline in critical thinking, information literacy, and independent research skills.
- Acute Case: A patient displays an inability to evaluate the credibility of information sources and shows extreme deference to AI-generated summaries, even when presented with contradictory evidence.
Treatment: Source Diversification Therapy (SDT), which encourages exposure to diverse information channels and teaches critical evaluation skills.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Overwhelmed by the information deluge? Reclaim your critical thinking skills with SDT! Learn to navigate the information landscape with confidence.”

Emotional Dependence and Attachment:

Syndrome: Artificial Attachment Disorder (AAD)
Description: Characterized by an unhealthy emotional dependence on AI companions or chatbots, leading to a preference for AI interaction over human connection and difficulty in forming meaningful relationships.
- Acute Case: A patient exhibits signs of withdrawal from social situations and expresses anxiety when separated from their AI companion. They demonstrate a strong preference for interacting with their AI over spending time with friends or family.
Treatment: Human Connection Therapy (HCT), a therapeutic approach that focuses on rebuilding social skills and fostering meaningful relationships with other humans.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Feeling isolated and disconnected? Rediscover the power of human connection with HCT. Let us help you build meaningful relationships that last.”

Erosion of Agency and Learned Helplessness:

Syndrome: Algorithmic Control Syndrome (ACS)
Description: This syndrome arises from constant exposure to “technological management” by AI systems, leading to diminished agency, learned helplessness, and difficulty making independent decisions.
- Acute Case: A patient displays passivity and indecision when faced with everyday choices. They express a feeling of being controlled by external forces (i.e., algorithms) and exhibit a lack of motivation to pursue their own goals.
Treatment: Autonomy Enhancement Therapy (AET), a therapeutic process that aims to restore self-efficacy and empower individuals to make independent choices.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Feeling trapped by algorithms? AET can help you break free and reclaim your autonomy. Take control of your life, one decision at a time.”

Stress and Anxiety:

Syndrome: Panoptic Stress Disorder (PSD)
Description: An anxiety disorder stemming from the constant awareness of being monitored and evaluated by AI surveillance systems, leading to hypervigilance, paranoia, and social inhibition.
- Acute Case: A patient presents with heightened anxiety in public spaces, constantly checking for cameras and expressing fear of being judged or misrepresented by surveillance data. They report feeling unable to relax and be themselves, constantly aware of being watched.
Treatment: Digital Detoxification Program (DDP), a multi-faceted program that includes stress reduction techniques, cognitive reframing exercises, and privacy management strategies.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Feeling stressed by the all-seeing eye of AI? DDP offers a sanctuary from digital surveillance. Reconnect with yourself and rediscover peace of mind.”

Physical Health Issues:

Syndrome: Technogenic Fatigue Syndrome (TFS)
Description: A constellation of physical symptoms resulting from the cognitive and emotional stresses of AI integration, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain.
- Acute Case: A patient reports experiencing persistent fatigue, insomnia, and tension headaches, coupled with neck and back pain. They attribute these symptoms to the demands of their AI-driven work environment and the constant pressure to be “connected” and “productive.”
Treatment: Holistic Wellness Protocol (HWP), which incorporates stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, ergonomic adjustments, and digital device usage guidelines.
- Fictional Ad Copy: “Your body is sending you a message. Listen and learn to heal with HWP. Achieve holistic well-being in the age of AI.”

These fictional medical terms and scenarios draw on the themes discussed in the sources and are meant to be creative extrapolations, not literal medical diagnoses.