Moral Enquiry Meets Artificial Intelligence: Considering Influences of Interactive Algorithmic-based Ethical Decision Making on Agentive Wellbeing

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an undeniable paradigmatic influence on human beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. This article analyzes research that offers insights into risks related to contextual interaction with AI for human well-being in morally pluralistic organizations. Building on previous research that connects AI use with an increased risk of the sociopsychological phenomenon known as moral disengagement, we argue that AI created by developers who utilize rival versions of moral enquiry can activate moral disengagement mechanisms and shift a person’s perspective regarding responsibility by sanctioning attitudes, intentions, and behaviors that would otherwise be inconsistent with the person’s moral beliefs. We specifically examine human interaction with Generative and Predictive AI and their risks for increasing cognitive dissonance, cognitive distress, and self-harm. We also intentionally clarify important differences between AI-to-human interaction with human-to-human interaction. Finally, we recommend how to identify problematic interactions with AI and recommend ways to reduce a risk to human flourishing.