
Just imagine if the AI shaping our future were designed to reflect the full depth of humanity—our cultures, perspectives, values, and lived experiences. How much more innovative, compassionate, and impactful could it be? Now imagine the opposite: AI that trends toward narrower viewpoints, stripping away the very humanity it has the potential to enhance. That’s a future we risk if we don’t confront the blind spots in today’s technology.
China’s DeepSeek has taken a big step forward, creating an advanced AI model at a fraction of the time and cost compared to U.S. counterparts. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of the global AI race—but as countries and companies forge ahead, the deeper question remains: how do we ensure that AI development stays grounded in humanity? Take TikTok, for example—a platform developed in China that has sparked fears over its potential impact on the mental health and development of children in America. These fears stem from the power of technology to shape behavior, values, and perceptions. Without intentional design that prioritizes humanity, how can AI truly serve us, rather than risk redefining or even erasing what makes us human?

We’ve already seen how major platforms like Google (a bit less so now than in the past) and AI models like ChatGPT often assume whiteness as the default unless explicitly instructed otherwise. This isn’t just a design flaw—it’s a reflection of how incomplete datasets and narrow worldviews can create outputs that fail to represent the broader human experience. For instance, asking ChatGPT for a race-specific illustration often sends it into a tailspin, exposing its inability to navigate the complexities of humanity. I’ve even seen it create grotesque, inhuman depictions instead—insulting outputs that feel like an attack programmed into the system.
The same risks apply to DeepSeek. I haven’t yet experienced its AI, but I wonder: are its representations shaped by a Chinese worldview rather than a global perspective? And what ripple effects might that have on how AI evolves and shapes our worldview?
AI is becoming an integral part of our lives, shaping decisions, solutions, and even the way we see ourselves. If it trends toward less humanity rather than more—toward exclusion rather than representation—it risks making us something we’re not. The true power of AI lies in amplifying human potential—enhancing who we are, not diminishing it.
The future of AI must embrace the fullness of humanity. Without it, AI will always remain incomplete and incompetent—not because it lacks innovation, but because it lacks the very heart that makes it worth creating.
As always, I welcome your thoughts. SNM
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