In 1929, Sociobiologist Edward Wilson stated, “The real problem of humanity is the following: we have palaeolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology.” Fast forward to 2025, and this statement holds truer than ever, especially when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI). To break down Edward Wilson’s Quote and apply it to today’s onlife world:
Palaeolithic Emotions: This suggests that our emotional and psychological makeup is still rooted in our ancient past. Our basic emotions, instincts, and drives of fight, flight, and hypervigilance haven’t evolved at the same pace as our societies and technologies have, which can lead to conflicts
Medieval Institutions: This refers to the idea that our societal and governance structures are often outdated and ill-suited for the complexities of the contemporary world. Unfortunately, many who draft and pass legislation or policy surrounding the use of technology don’t truly understand how youth and teens are using technology.
Godlike Technology: This suggests that our technological capabilities, especially when it comes to AI have advanced dramatically, giving us immense power to shape the world, yet our wisdom and ethical frameworks may not be at the same level. This can lead to misuse or unintended consequences as we will outline in this article.
At The White Hatter, we focus on digital literacy, internet safety, and emerging technologies. When it comes to AI, we have three primary concerns that parents and caregivers should be aware of.
#1 The Speed of AI’s Evolution & The Ability For Humans to Adapt
AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Tools that seemed cutting-edge just months ago are quickly becoming obsolete, replaced by more sophisticated and powerful iterations. This rapid evolution of AI raises significant concerns, particularly in the areas of job displacement, misinformation, and ethical oversight. Some industries are seeing automation replace jobs faster than workers can retrain, leading to widening skill gaps and economic instability. Additionally, AI-generated content, including deepfakes and synthetic media, can spread false narratives at an alarming rate, making it increasingly difficult for people to discern fact from fiction. Furthermore, AI systems are evolving so quickly that existing policies and ethical guidelines struggle to keep up, leaving dangerous gaps in accountability.
For parents, this rapid development underscores the importance of teaching children critical thinking skills to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world. Digital literacy, media discernment, and an understanding of how AI algorithms influence online content consumption are crucial skills for the next generation. Without these skills, young people risk falling victim to misinformation and manipulation by AI-generated content designed to deceive or exploit them.
#2 The Weaponization of AI: From Deepfake Nudes to Military Applications
AI is not just a tool for convenience; it can also be weaponized in dangerous ways. One of the most alarming aspects of AI misuse is the rise of deepfake exploitation. AI-generated deepfake technology has been used to create and distribute non-consensual nude images, leading to privacy violations and cybercrimes. This problem disproportionately affects teens, particularly young girls, who find themselves targeted by malicious actors and often peers using AI to generate explicit content without their consent. The psychological and reputational damage caused by such violations can be devastating.
Beyond personal privacy concerns, AI is also being integrated into state-level military applications. Nations are racing to develop AI-powered warfare tools, from autonomous drones to AI-assisted cyberattacks. The consequences of unchecked AI in military settings could be catastrophic, with automated systems making life-or-death decisions without human intervention. This raises ethical and geopolitical concerns about the role of AI in future conflicts.
Parents should have open discussions with their children about the potential dangers of AI-generated content and emphasize the importance of privacy protection and responsible digital behaviour. In addition, advocating for stronger policies and regulations around AI misuse is essential to prevent these technologies from being used for harm.
#3 The Lack of AI Guardrails: Holding Companies Accountable
One of the most pressing concerns regarding AI development is that it is largely driven by competition rather than safety. Companies, motivated by profit and innovation, often prioritize rapid advancement over ethical considerations. This has led to significant issues, such as bias in AI systems, lack of regulation, and a culture that values profit over safety. Many AI models have been found to reflect racial, gender, and socio-economic biases, leading to unfair treatment in hiring, policing, and content moderation. Without proper oversight, AI risks reinforcing societal inequalities rather than alleviating them.
Unlike traditional industries, AI development often lacks stringent regulations, leaving companies to self-govern their ethical responsibilities. This self-regulation is inadequate, as history has shown that corporate interests and profits often outweigh considerations for public well-being. In the race to develop the most powerful AI, companies may ignore long-term safety concerns in favour of short-term gains, which could have dire consequences for society.
AI Is Not All Bad: How Artificial Intelligence is Benefiting Society
While AI poses significant risks, it is also being harnessed for remarkable benefits. AI is not inherently bad; rather, it is a tool, and its impact depends on how it is used. In the medical field, AI is revolutionizing healthcare by assisting in early disease detection, improving diagnostic accuracy, and even helping develop life-saving drugs. AI-driven tools can analyze medical images faster and more accurately than human doctors, leading to quicker treatments and better patient outcomes.
AI is also transforming accessibility for individuals with disabilities. AI-powered speech-to-text and text-to-speech applications, real-time captions, AI-driven prosthetics, and voice recognition software are significantly improving quality of life for millions. Additionally, AI is playing a crucial role in environmental protection. It is being used to optimize energy usage, improve weather prediction models, and assist in wildlife conservation efforts. AI-powered monitoring systems help track illegal deforestation and poaching activities, providing crucial data for conservationists and policymakers.
Education is another area where AI is making a positive impact. AI-driven learning platforms provide personalized education experiences, helping students of all learning levels access tailored resources. AI tutors and language translation tools are bridging gaps in education, making quality learning accessible to students across the globe. In cybersecurity, AI is strengthening defences by detecting cyber threats in real time, preventing identity theft, and helping businesses protect sensitive data from breaches.
As AI continues to reshape our world, we must equip young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate it responsibly. Encouraging media literacy will help them detect AI-generated misinformation, ensuring they can distinguish between reliable and deceptive content. Teaching privacy awareness is also critical, as it minimizes risks associated with deepfake technology and data misuse. Furthermore, supporting AI ethics education will help the next generation understand both the power and responsibility that come with AI development and usage.
The future of AI and and how we integrated it is not predetermined; it hinges on the choices we make today. Edward Wilson’s words serve as a stark reminder that while transformative technological advancements have surged ahead, our emotions and institutions have struggled to keep pace. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity, one that demands we prioritize ethical considerations, invest in education and digital literacy, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the integration of these transformative technologies. If we establish the right guardrails, AI can be a force for good rather than a source of fear, shaping a future where innovation serves humanity rather than undermining it. The responsibility lies with us to ensure that these powerful forces align with our collective values, safeguarding future generations while unlocking AI’s potential for progress and prosperity.
Related Reading:
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
