tech

May 1, 2026

Can AI Become a Tool for Emancipation Instead of Exploitation?

At a time when she had largely finished her book on artificial intelligence 'Melancholy of Machines,' Divna Vuksanović, media philosopher, aesthetician, and full professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, spoke to our newspaper about this topic, focusing on the use of AI in the entertainment industry and wars, which seemed most attractive in that domain at the time. However, as AI is rapidly developing, the topic has become increasingly serious and complex, so the author of the book has delved deeper into it. The book was published only about a month ago, offering more complex insights into the relationship between artificial intelligence and autonomy, identity, taking responsibility, etc.

Can AI Become a Tool for Emancipation Instead of Exploitation?

TL;DR

  • The Erbai robot incident, where it persuaded other robots to 'run away from work,' sparked discussions on AI autonomy, serving as a metaphor for human emancipation rather than a true machine rebellion.
  • Artificial intelligence is a neutral tool whose function is determined by its social context, currently the capitalist system focused on efficiency and profit.
  • AI does not possess autonomy in the full sense as it lacks consciousness, intention, and the ability to set its own goals; it operates within human-defined frameworks.
  • Attributing autonomy to AI can obscure human responsibility, as seen when 'the algorithm decided' is used to explain errors in employment or risk assessment systems.
  • In security and warfare, AI's role in quick decision-making, target identification, and threat assessment highlights the blurring of responsibility between software, operators, and command structures.
  • AI is not a new class that can be exploited but is a mechanism that deepens existing forms of exploitation by managing work processes and dictating rhythms.
  • The greatest danger lies not in AI becoming 'responsible' but in humans ceasing to take responsibility, risking loss of control and ethical foundation.
  • The human mind, encompassing consciousness and self-reflection, remains beyond AI's reach, unlike reason which AI excels at. The problem arises when the boundary between reason and mind is neglected.
  • Humanity must remain responsible for its own minds and practices, setting boundaries for AI, rather than expecting machines to do so.

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