Brain Researcher Warns of Social Media Harm but Urges Embracing AI Revolution
Professor Yoram Yovel, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, discussed the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media on society in a special interview with Kikar HaShabbat. He compared the current AI revolution to the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg in 1492, emphasizing that AI's ability to perform human tasks better than humans represents a monumental shift. Yovel highlighted the transformative potential of AI in areas like Torah study, where instant access to vast texts surpasses the capabilities of even the greatest scholars of the past.
Despite AI's benefits, Yovel warned about the significant mental health damage caused by early exposure to social media, especially among children and adolescents. He linked social media use to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in Western youth, attributing this to the addictive design strategies of tech giants. As a personal example, Yovel shared that his 14-year-old daughter used a basic kosher Nokia phone until middle school to limit screen exposure, though he stressed that older teens should learn to use AI responsibly.
Addressing education, Yovel stressed the irreplaceable value of practice and warned that universities must rethink curricula as AI increasingly performs tasks traditionally done by humans. When asked if society should halt AI development and revert to seven years ago, he firmly rejected the idea, stating progress inevitably involves risk. He urged the ultra-Orthodox community not to isolate themselves from technological advances but to engage with them thoughtfully.
Yovel also criticized political leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for avoiding regulation of tech companies due to personal interests, calling for responsible leadership to impose legislation that holds these companies accountable. He concluded by emphasizing the need to entrust politics to less power-hungry individuals who will manage these challenges effectively.
