What if the real risk of AI isn’t deepfakes — but daily whispers?

Most people don’t appreciate the profound threat that AI will soon pose to human agency. A common refrain is that “AI is just a tool,” and like any tool, its benefits and dangers depend on how people use it. This is old-school thinking. AI is transitioning from tools we use to prosthetics we wear. This will create significant new threats we’re just not prepared for.

No, I’m not talking about creepy brain implants. These AI-powered prosthetics will be mainstream products we buy from Amazon or the Apple Store and marketed with friendly names like “assistants,” “coaches,” “co-pilots” and “tutors.” They will provide real value in our lives — so much so that we will feel disadvantaged if others are wearing them and we are not. This will create rapid pressure for mass adoption. 

The prosthetic devices I’m referring to are “AI-powered wearables” like smart glasses, pendants, pins ...