How AI Destroys Institutions (cyberlaw.stanford.edu)

A recent essay by Woodrow Hartzog and Jessica M. Silbey argues that artificial intelligence (AI) threatens the very foundations of civic institutions such as the rule of law, universities, and free press—cornerstones of democratic society. The authors assert that AI systems undermine essential institutional features like expertise, transparency, and accountability, leading to decision-making that can become fragmented and isolating. This degradation could ultimately dismantle the collaborative structures necessary for democracy to adapt and thrive. The significance of this analysis lies in its warning that without adequate safeguards, current AI technologies could pose an existential risk to civic institutions. By undermining interpersonal relationships and the collective commitment to civic goals, these systems could lead to a society that lacks the robust frameworks required for cooperation and stability. As AI continues to proliferate, the AI/ML community must grapple with these implications and consider the ethical design and deployment of technology to preserve democratic values.