The Cognitive Cost of AI: Surveillance Capitalism, The Future of Work & Democracy

The Cognitive Cost of AI: Surveillance Capitalism, The Future of Work & Democracy

Author: Mia Funk May 25, 2026 Duration: 25:23

Look closely at the screen in front of you. It is no longer just a passive device; it is actively shaping your perception. Today, we investigate the cognitive and ethical costs of offloading our reason to algorithms and ask what happens when our tools begin to train us? We explore the rise of surveillance capitalism with those documenting the shift—technologists Jaron Lanier, Henry Ajder, and Antonella Wilby. We hear from those fighting to preserve our essence and agency—philosophers Iain McGilchrist and C. Thi Nguyen, economist Jeffrey Sachs and ecologist Carl Safina. Grounding us in the power of expression, are artists and writers Trevor Paglen, April Gornik, Etgar Keret, and Hans Ulrich Obrist. In these original interviews for The Creative Process, our guests remind us that we must never surrender our messy, human reality to artificial perfection.

(0:00) Trevor Paglen (Artist) The cognitive cost of offloading our reasoning to AI (3:26)

(2:28) Jaron Lanier (Computer Scientist, VR Pioneer) The Turing Test and the degradation of humanity (14:30)

(5:42) Henry Ajder (AI & Deepfakes Expert) The unprecedented speed of generative AI

(8:48) Hans Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director, Serpentine Galleries) The fight for net neutrality

(10:14) Antonella Wilby (Roboticist, NatGeo Explorer) Encoded biases, the danger of neutral tech

(11:50) C. Thi Nguyen (Philosopher, Author) Thin metrics and the truth about screen time

(13:09) Carl Safina (Ecologist, Author) Mechanization and human dignity

(15:17) Jeffrey Sachs (Economist, Center for Sustainable Development) Citizen responsibility (23:06)

(16:54) Etgar Keret (Writer, Filmmaker) Enslavement to the machine, outsourcing imagination

(19:07) April Gornik (Artist) The historical parallel between AI and nuclear weapons

(20:46) Iain McGilchrist (Psychiatrist, Author) Wisdom vs. utility in artificial intelligence

To hear more from each guest, listen to their full interviews here or http://www.creativeprocess.info/pod

Episode Website IG@creativeprocesspodcast


Hosted by Mia Funk, The Creative Process delves into the inner workings of the artistic mind. This podcast is built on intimate conversations with a remarkable range of voices-from authors and filmmakers to dancers, scientists, and activists. Each episode moves beyond the finished product to explore the life, discipline, and unique practice that shape a creator's work. You'll hear from recipients of the world's highest honors, including Oscars, Emmys, and Pulitzer Prizes, as they share unfiltered experiences and hard-won wisdom. The discussions naturally span a wide spectrum of human expression and concern, touching on books, film, theatre, and music, while also engaging with critical themes like social justice, climate change, and technology. What unites these conversations is a deep curiosity about how creativity functions not just in the studio, but as a force in culture and society. Listening feels like being a fly on the wall for a thoughtful, meandering talk where the focus is always on the person behind the craft. It’s a chance to understand how diverse thinkers navigate challenges, find inspiration, and contribute to the broader dialogue through their art and advocacy. This isn't about quick tips or superficial interviews; it's a sustained look at the motivations and methods that drive meaningful creative work across disciplines.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Creative Process · Arts, Culture & Society: Books, Film, Music, TV, Art, Writing, Creativity, Education, Environment, Theatre, Dance, LGBTQ, Climate Change, Social Justice, Spirituality, Feminism, Tech, Sustainability
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