AI Platforms: A Growing Ethical, Social, and Economic Concern
As we entered 2025, climate change was perceived as humanity’s most pressing issue. Yet by 2026, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an even greater concern.
The Grok Controversy
In light of recent controversies, an experiment was conducted with Grok, an AI tool developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. When asked to create a nude image of Queen Elizabeth I, who has been deceased for over 400 years, Grok refused. This refusal was due to new restrictions implemented in January 2026 following significant backlash against the creation of inappropriate images of real individuals.
In response to the outrage, Grok acknowledged the reasonableness of the public’s reaction, especially concerning the potential emotional harm faced by women in the public eye. It articulated that the restrictions on generating such content were justified given the current climate of societal concern.
The Redefinition of Society
The implications of AI extend beyond mere technical advancements; they are poised to redefine intimacy, sexuality, and human relationships. In her book, Time to Reboot: Feminism in the Algorithm Age, Carla Wilshire highlights the epidemic of non-consensual pornography as a significant issue that leads to identity theft, defamation, and emotional distress.
As developers like Musk’s xAI race towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), the societal impacts of these technologies become more complex. The potential emergence of ASI (artificial superintelligence) raises ethical questions about decision-making and responsibility, especially concerning the creation of harmful content.
Legal and Political Implications
As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the integrity of photographic and video evidence in legal settings may be compromised. Courts, including the Federal Court of Australia, are already grappling with this challenge, which could escalate into a chaotic political landscape driven by fake campaigns and misleading media.
The Threat of Extinction
Wilshire further warns that before crises like climate change lead to humanity’s downfall, the emergence of true AGI could pose an existential threat. Unlike the binary nature of nuclear threats, the effects of AI on society are incremental and already manifesting.
The Shift in Labor Dynamics
As we move further into this new era of labor, characterized by ownership rather than employment, the implications of AI replacing human intelligence become evident. The societal upheaval that followed the Industrial Revolution was marked by vast inequality and conflict. This current revolution, driven by technology, is similarly poised to disrupt economics, politics, and ethics.
Elon Musk’s assertion that “AI and robots will replace all jobs” underscores the urgency of addressing these changes. As AI continues to infiltrate various sectors, the question is not whether jobs will be replaced, but rather how many will be affected.
Speculations on the Future
Industry leaders like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding a future without traditional work. Altman’s guesses about the potential for societal adaptation include increased productivity through AI and new economic models for wealth redistribution. However, skepticism remains regarding the likelihood of equitable outcomes.
Ultimately, the potential for a world where all labor is performed by machines raises significant ethical, social, and psychological concerns. As AI platforms like Grok provide a glimpse into this future, it is imperative that society confronts these challenges head-on.
