Smaller Brains, Fewer Friends? How AI Could Reshape Humanity's Future

Evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks warns of subtle, long-term shifts in human intelligence and social behaviour due to ubiquitous artificial intelligence.

Article link: https://open.substack.com/pub/johanosteyn/p/smaller-brains-fewer-friends-how?r=73gqa&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Audio summary: https://youtu.be/wZaktacARUY

As someone deeply immersed in Artificial Intelligence and technology, I often write about issues of interest that I want to bring to the reader’s attention. While my main work is in Artificial Intelligence and technology, I also cover areas around politics, education, and the future of our children. This article delves into a fascinating, yet unsettling, perspective on how AI might not just change our tools but fundamentally alter human nature itself, with profound implications for our society and future generations.

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence is undeniably reshaping our world, from how we work to how we interact. However, beyond the immediate societal shifts, a more profound, subtle transformation may be underway: AI’s potential to drive long-term evolutionary changes in humans. This is the provocative contention of evolutionary biologist Robert Brooks, whose work, as highlighted in the Daily Maverick, suggests that our increasing reliance on AI could subtly alter fundamental human traits over many generations.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

Brooks posits that rather than a dramatic, apocalyptic scenario, the evolutionary impact of AI will be incremental, mirroring how humans have inadvertently shaped the evolution of domesticated animals. He suggests that traits such as intelligence, attention span, and the richness of our social networks could be significantly altered by our pervasive interaction with AI systems. For instance, as AI assumes more cognitive tasks—such as information retrieval, decision support, and content creation—the selective pressure on human brains to retain vast stores of knowledge or perform complex calculations may diminish.

This could, over many generations, lead to smaller or less “dense” human brains. Similarly, our social behaviour patterns might shift, potentially resulting in fewer deep friendships and altered social-group structures as AI platforms mediate more of our interactions. The Daily Maverick article specifically quotes Brooks, emphasising that this is not about immediate catastrophe, but rather a longer-term future where human traits adapt to an environment saturated with ubiquitous AI.

INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS

The analogy to domesticated animals is particularly arresting. Just as we have bred animals for specific traits, often unintentionally altering their physiological and behavioural characteristics, our creation and reliance on AI could unintentionally sculpt our own evolutionary path. If AI consistently handles cognitive heavy lifting, the biological imperative for certain types of human intelligence might lessen. This raises critical questions about what human capacities we truly value and actively wish to nurture, rather than passively allowing AI to substitute for them.

For instance, while AI excels at information processing, human capacities for empathy, critical thinking, and complex emotional intelligence remain paramount. The concern is not that AI makes us “dumber” in a simplistic sense, but that the *kind* of intelligence and social engagement that is evolutionarily advantageous could change, leading to humans whose brains and social wiring are optimised for a symbiotic relationship with AI, potentially at the expense of other deeply human attributes. This shift demands a proactive stance, urging us to consider the long-term consequences of our technological choices on human flourishing and identity.

IMPLICATIONS

This discourse is profoundly important for me personally, as it compels us to reflect on the very essence of what it means to be human in an increasingly AI-dominated world. It challenges us to consider whether we are consciously guiding our technological future or merely drifting into an evolution dictated by convenience. For our country, these discussions are vital for shaping educational policies that prioritise uniquely human skills, fostering social structures that encourage genuine connection, and developing regulatory frameworks that safeguard human well-being alongside technological progress.

For our children, the implications are even more direct. We must equip them not just with digital literacy, but with a deep understanding of human values, critical thinking, and emotional resilience to navigate a future where the lines between human and artificial capabilities may become increasingly blurred. This requires a societal commitment to nurturing the traits we deem essential for their flourishing, ensuring that technology serves humanity, rather than subtly reshaping it in unforeseen ways.

CLOSING TAKEAWAY

The subtle evolutionary pressures exerted by ubiquitous AI demand our immediate attention. We must consciously decide what human traits we wish to preserve and cultivate, ensuring that our technological advancements serve our deepest values and secure a truly human future for generations to come.

Author Bio: Johan Steyn is a prominent AI ethicist, author, and international speaker. His work focuses on the practical application of AI in business and its broader societal impact. He advises organisations on AI strategy and responsible technology adoption, sharing his insights globally. Learn more about his work at https://www.aiforbusiness.net