The evolution of human beings from arboreal apes to modern bipeds who practically dominate the planet has been an interesting one. The human experience has been a central aspect of interest and has been studied closely ever since humanity structured its approach to the sciences. Anthropology as a field gained even more prominence in the past two centuries, as more cultures interacted with one another and indulged in exchanges. The study of humans, their past, their languages, cultures that evolved from their settlements, and their beliefs have played an important role in understanding the overall impact of humans on the world as well as on their own evolution. Currently, humans are poised to witness another wave of drastic change with the arrival of generative AI. Human interactions with technology will become more efficient and streamlined, given that large language models are increasingly common. The impact of this on the human experience as well as anthropology as a study will be interesting to note.
Apart from the obvious AI-human friction due to overlaps in function, the overall adaptation of human beings to an automated algorithm taking care of several mundane tasks shall remain a point of interest for keen anthropologists. Fields like digital anthropology have already gained momentum in the past decades following the widespread adoption of computers. AI and machine learning will possibly become new subsets of this overarching discipline within anthropology. As research and data retrieval becomes simplified with the use of modern algorithms, AI-supported sciences are bound to flourish. The below sections explore these prospects in the context of anthropology.
Anthropology AI: Speculating on the Roles of Generative AI
AI can make headway into analyzing complex bits of anthropological data.
Anthropology deals with the biological, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and applied aspects of human evolution. The field generates as well as pieces together vast arrays of data that require expertise and considerable durations of time. Highly data-oriented disciplines of anthropology can benefit greatly from the growing capabilities of generative AI which also span areas such as data analytics. Moreover, fragmented bits of information from ancient samples or genetic material can also be deciphered using big data algorithms. These protocols often work with large unstructured data sets. While AI might not be independent or rational, it can still detect patterns in information. Direct human supervision and critical thinking add to the benefit of utilizing artificial intelligence in anthropological studies, as the discipline relies on both practical rigor as well as intuitive capability. AI can popularize anthropological discussions in the larger public and draw attention to the mysteries of the human past, enhancing engagement with subjects and improving citizen science programs.
The rise in chatbots and the augmentation of extant chatbots to suit highly specific use cases might also prove useful to anthropologists and researchers. Built from base language models, they can be further enhanced and equipped with industry-specific information to act as intelligent assistants to scientists and investigators. Above all, anthropology can answer key questions surrounding the ethics of AI, of which academic integrity has grown to garner much attention. Since the field has constantly engaged with the questions surrounding the nature of human beings and their identities in an evolving world, AI anthropology might just be able to address AI-human relationships for future generations. Also, the growing engagement of autonomous protocols might be instrumental in defining the role of human intelligence as society begins tinkering with the idea of artificial general intelligence and sentient AI.
Digital Anthropology and Studying AI
Anthropology can help humans understand their own role in an AI-oriented world.
Human understanding of artificial intelligence is only bound to grow, now that complex neural networks and natural language processing capabilities enhance communication with digital systems. While concepts of human identity and an extension of human functioning tend to become hazy in the presence of artificial systems, anthropologists can provide valuable insights when it comes to rationalizing how human society can address growing concerns and challenges concerning AI’s presence. The recent AI boom has remained restricted to generative AI tools; however, the increasing presence of AI-generated content has been met with mixed reactions. Whether it’s concerns surrounding AI art and threats to conventional artistic vigor due to AI image generators or the impact of AI writing, human relationships with ML and AI protocols have already become complex.
Such trends are only set to continue, given that interest in AI has grown exponentially, and several tech firms continue to invest heavily in these algorithms. AI anthropology, while aiding the study of the subject in and of itself, can also delve deeper into the growing dynamics of humans and AI tools, alongside balancing human intelligence with the precision of autonomous algorithms. Today’s anthropologists have already begun looking at the growing interactions between human beings and AI protocols, possibly making headway into what might be a dedicated field to study the impact of these tools on human fields of influence and activity. AI and anthropology have the potential to transform each other, essentially hinting at a symbiotic relationship that might end up enhancing our understanding of our past as well as the future.
The Future of Anthropology and Generative AI Tools
Anthropology and AI can be amalgamated to enhance our understanding of both.
Generative AI has turned into a ubiquitous phenomenon that has begun percolating to just about every other field of human activity. Needless to say, anthropology, too, is bound to become impacted by its growing influence. While there’s considerable potential in utilizing AI for humanities education as well as research, associated fields such as anthropology also have much to offer and gain from an enhanced degree of AI integration. As humans continue to debate the regulations that are applied to AI as well as the tenets of responsible AI and ethics, anthropology can be a key contributor for humans, who often make sense of their surroundings by making things relatable on an individual level. Regardless of future outcomes, AI anthropology might be more a necessity rather than an option to enhance the field of study while also making sense of human roles in an AI-influenced world.
FAQs
1. What is AI anthropology?
AI anthropology refers to the use of AI tools and protocols in anthropological studies. While AI can be of great use in the study of the human past as well as the present, anthropology can be integral to addressing several questions surrounding human interactions with automated computing systems.
2. Is AI the future of anthropology?
Though the true extent to which AI can be utilized in anthropology remains speculative, automated algorithms can address several issues and aid better research. The use of AI in anthropological studies will mirror the use of AI in other sciences, aiding data analysis and generating interpretations.
3. Will AI replace anthropologists?
No, AI will not replace anthropologists and will only serve to support their efforts in decoding the complex mysteries of the human past. AI will also help answer key conundrums surrounding evolving human relationships with technology.