Every day, artificial intelligence (AI) touches more parts of our lives. It’s reshaping our work, relationships, education, and even art. While we can’t predict the future, we can explore where AI might lead us by talking to experts. I recently spoke with Kristen Berman, an authority in behavioral science and technology.
Kristen runs Irrational Labs, a company that helps businesses understand human behavior to enhance their products. She also writes the Product Teardowns newsletter, discussing the behavioral principles behind popular apps. In her podcast, The Irrational Mind, she interviews various experts about understanding and changing behavior. Her experience includes founding Google’s behavioral science team and working on financial inclusion at Common Cents Lab.
In our chat, we touched on several key topics regarding AI’s impact on society. Specifically, we discussed how AI developers might learn from behavioral scientists and the implications of AI in various fields.
Evan Nesterak: What’s a common misconception AI developers have about people?
Kristen Berman: One major idea in AI is to create tools that simplify tasks for people—like writing an email or finding a restaurant. While this aligns with behavioral science, many people hesitate to trust AI to complete these tasks fully. They feel more comfortable if they can add their personal touches. This connection, where users contribute, is key to building trust in AI.
As technology advances, we may need to depend less on personal input. But for now, this human element is important.
Are there other aspects that concern you?
Yes, a significant issue is algorithmic bias. AI can inherit human biases from the data it learns from. For example, if hiring algorithms favor men because past hiring data shows more men were hired, minor adjustments can be made to address that bias. This flexibility makes AI easier to change than altering human behavior and stereotypes, which tend to be resistant to change.
Addressing concerns around bias in AI can lead to more equitable outcomes, unlike the more challenging task of changing human mindsets.
I have a friend who works in user experience at a financial firm. She’s involved in developing AI that may replace her role. What’s your take on this situation?
It’s a common tension now. Many employees fear being replaced by AI, even if companies insist it’s meant to assist, not replace them. In one study we conducted, only eight percent believed AI would take their jobs. However, people think it’s much more likely AI will take jobs from others rather than themselves. This highlights a natural bias—we see ourselves as unique, making it hard to envision AI as a threat to our own roles.
Your friend’s concern is valid, but she should also focus on networking and understanding AI tools. Embracing these changes can ensure she remains valuable in her field.
What advice do you have for someone in her position?
Use AI tools actively. Engage with them, experiment, and understand their potential. Being skilled in AI applications can position her as a leader in her workplace.
What do AI developers overlook about uniquely human traits?
In many cases, developers are eager to create tools but often forget the human touch. For example, OnlyFans is using bots to enhance user interaction. While the content might appear personal, the conversations could be automated, which raises questions about genuine connection in online spaces. Yet, this same technology has potential benefits in healthcare, where positive initial interactions can enhance follow-ups through automated messaging.
What applications excite you, and what worries you about AI?
I’m thrilled about how AI can empower more people to create content. Tools like DALL-E allow those without artistic skills to generate images and explore their creativity. There’s also potential in AI to address loneliness by facilitating conversations—something that could enhance social connections rather than replace them.
However, I worry about the growing influence of platforms like TikTok. They utilize addictive algorithms that can capture users’ attention for long periods, raising concerns about the impact on our time and well-being.
What should AI developers learn from behavioral scientists?
AI developers should consider how their products fit into people’s lives. It’s not enough to create advanced tools; they need to understand user behavior and preferences to ensure that their inventions are truly effective.
What should behavioral scientists ask AI developers?
They should inquire about what’s achievable with technology. By understanding what AI can do, we can better address real-world challenges and improve productivity.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Many people might feel they could be using AI more effectively. It’s crucial to bridge the gap between knowing about these tools and actually using them. In tech circles, there’s often access to apps and innovations, but we need to ensure everyone can participate in this changing landscape.
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