DALL-E image of The Space Between (from William James)
The term ‘Interstices’ was used by GPT4 in its recent poem in my blog ‘Opening Pandora’s Box‘. I want to explore whether this concept of ‘The Space Between’, represented by the Japanese character ‘Ma’, can help us understand the ‘reality’ of cyberspace, which is objectively elusive in the reductionist sense. The contra-reductionist philosophy of holism links concepts such as cyberspace with others that reductionism struggles with, such as quantum theory.
In the realm of scientific exploration, the philosophy of interstices—the study of spaces between—provides a compelling framework for reevaluating our approach to AI and digital media. Much like the spaces between claps of thunder that psychologiist and philosopher William James describes as pregnant with anticipation (which DALL-E illustrates above), or the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead’s suggestion that ‘Life lurks in the … interstices of the brain‘. Interstices in digital communication are not empty gaps but areas brimming with potential for discovery and understanding.
This is important as regulations being proposed today almost entirely focus on privacy and data protection, while most personal data has already been absorbed into mega-structures. So much so that trying to retrieve it is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. Even worse, these goings on are largely going on in the interstices.
Historical Perspectives and Modern Implications
Historically, breakthroughs in science often occur in the overlooked interstices. Quantum physics, initially met with skepticism, emerged by exploring the gaps in classical physics, revealing phenomena that defied conventional expectations. Similarly, AI and digital media occupy the interstitial spaces of computing and human interaction, where conventional tools cannot fully capture their impact or potential.
Realistic Advances in AI and Digital Media
The skepticism often directed at AI and digital media stems from a perceived dichotomy between ‘realist’ concerns about the dangers of technology and ‘idealist’ views on its possibilities. However, this perception overlooks the practical, grounded advances already being made. AI-driven systems in healthcare, such as predictive analytics in patient care and AI in drug discovery, demonstrate not just potential but real-world efficacy. These applications save lives and improve health outcomes, representing a pragmatic approach to technology’s promise.
McLuhan’s Insight and Modern Digital Dynamics
Drawing on Marshall McLuhan’s assertion that “the medium is the message,” we understand that AI and digital media are not just tools but environments that shape human thought and societal structures. Just as the medium of print brought about profound societal shifts, so too does the digital medium offer transformative possibilities that extend far beyond the confines of traditional computing. This insight helps us grasp the profound effects of digital environments on societal norms and individual psychology, framing them as active components in shaping our world.
TikTok and the Dynamics of Digital Communication
Consider the phenomenon of TikTok, where the absence of language does not equate to an absence of communication. The platform’s success illustrates how digital spaces can foster new forms of expression and interaction, challenging the traditional narrative that digital media simplifies or degrades communication. Here, visual and musical elements combine dynamically, creating a new language of digital interaction that leverages the nuances of non-verbal communication to engage millions globally.
Addressing Realist Concerns with Evidence-Based Optimism
To those viewing digital advancements through a dystopian lens, it’s essential to present balanced, evidence-based perspectives. For every concern about privacy or misinformation, there are counterexamples of digital platforms enhancing community support, democratizing education, or fostering political activism. While not negating concerns, taken together they demonstrate that digital media’s potential can be harnessed for societal good when approached with informed strategies and responsible frameworks.
A Call to Reexamine Perspectives
To those who see calls for regulation as a means to prevent potential dystopias, it is crucial to recognize that regulation itself can be informed by a deeper understanding of what digital media truly are—complex systems that mirror the intricacies of human societies. Recognizing the interstices in these systems can help us craft more nuanced and effective policies that prevent harm without stifling innovation. Embracing the interstitial insights provided by studies in AI and digital communication allows us to see beyond fear-driven regulation. By understanding the media as influential environments that shape human interaction, we can approach AI and digital media not as Pandora’s box but as powerful tools for realistic, positive change. This perspective is not only about safeguarding against potential dangers but also about leveraging technology to address pressing real-world issues effectively and responsibly.
Democratizing Data Access for Scientific Advancement
To fully realize the potential of digital technologies and AI, it is imperative that scientists in academic institutions gain some access to the vast troves of data currently held by tech companies and governments. This access would enable a more comprehensive understanding of digital phenomena and foster innovations that could benefit society at large. Policymakers, educational leaders, and private entities should foster partnerships that facilitate this crucial data sharing. Such collaborations would not only accelerate scientific discovery but also ensure that advancements in AI and digital media are grounded in diverse, scientifically robust perspectives.
By democratizing data access, we can empower a new generation of researchers to explore these digital frontiers with the rigor and creativity needed to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. It’s through these efforts that we can transform the landscape of digital media and AI from a field dominated by a few key players into a vibrant, inclusive arena of global scientific collaboration. Only through such concerted efforts can we ensure that the digital revolutions of the future are not only innovative but also inclusive, equitable, and reflective of our collective values and aspirations.
The tech giants have been allowed to portray their restriction of access to their data as a solution to the problem. Their sole control over this should no longer be permitted. What needs to be regulated is not data access, but the use to which that data is put.