A comprehensive examination of how artificial intelligence shapes human identity and self-perception has been published by K Allado-McDowell on the Website of the Long Now Foundation. The analysis, released ahead of the author’s upcoming Long Now Talk, introduces the concept of “neural media” and its impact on how humans view themselves in an AI-driven world.
The author argues that AI systems are creating a new form of identity called “embedded identity,” where people increasingly understand themselves through their position in statistical models and AI-generated data landscapes. This differs significantly from earlier forms of media influence, such as broadcast media’s demographic identities or social media’s fractal identities.
According to Allado-McDowell, people are now navigating both physical and “latent space” – the statistical landscapes created by AI models – simultaneously. This dual existence affects everything from credit scores to social media visibility, ultimately shaping how individuals perceive themselves.
The analysis touches on the concept of “AI slop,” describing it as default AI-generated content that aims to please the largest possible audience while satisfying none. This phenomenon emerges from AI models’ tendency to generate content at the statistical mean, resulting in bland, middle-ground outputs.
The author warns about the increasing influence of AI agents, which are being developed by major tech companies like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Apple. These agents, designed to understand and act on behalf of users, raise questions about human agency and authenticity in an AI-mediated world.
The essay also examines the broader implications of neural media for ecological awareness. Earth-focused AI models are creating new ways to understand humanity’s place within larger ecological systems, potentially offering new perspectives on environmental challenges.