The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Autonomy

BEYOND THE HYPE

Here’s How We Envision A Future of AI Integration

Technology designed to increase your awareness, alignment, and agency.

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t on the horizon—it’s already here. For over a decade, artificial intelligence systems have been shaping the content we consume, how we navigate it, what we buy, and even what we think about.

  • Until recently, these artificial intelligence systems weren’t accessible to the public—they were controlled by global technological conglomerates such as Amazon, ByteDance (TikTok), Google, Meta, Tesla, and X (formally Twitter), and they were built to serve their respective business goals.

Now, the public can access and adapt many of the same tools—shifting AI from something that shapes people’s behavior to something that supports people’s direction. When used with intention, AI can be both empowering and practical.

Misconception

There’s a widespread belief that AI is brand-new, experimental—or, most importantly, optional to engage with. Yet, AI is already a central force in the daily technologies people reply on, often without realizing it.

In 2015, Google open-sourced its AI engine, TensorFlow. Although positioned as public access, its use remained largely in the hands of developers, researchers, and other tech companies. That same year, Twitter acquired the AI startup Whetlab to improve content recommendations, and Tesla rolled out Autopilot—powered by machine learning to interpret real-time driving environments. Meanwhile, Meta and ByteDance were actively building AI systems of their own, shaping user feeds, maximizing screen time, and increasing ad revenue by billions of dollars over time.

A Deeper Understanding

From 2015 to 2025, global tech conglomerates used artificial intelligence to optimize for their own engagement and profit; not user wellbeing, creativity, or peace of mind. Recommendation systems were tested, refined, and deployed to capture attention, prompt behavior, and monetize participation—at scale.

In recent years, open-source models such as Mistral and Whisper have made it possible for individuals and small teams to access and experiment with AI directly. For the first time, the tools weren’t just being used on the public—they could be used by the public.

Utilizing AI doesn’t have to mean giving up your time, attention, or autonomy.

Utilizing AI can mean:

  • Limiting addictive feedback loops

  • Reducing stress by organizing your thoughts faster

  • Capturing ideas clearly through speech-to-text

  • Building systems that respond to your professional or personal goals

So why isn’t that the message that’s being widely communicated?

We believe it’s because independent, intentional use of AI challenges existing power structures. If people use artificial intelligence to support their own thinking, boundaries, or business goals, they become less reliant on platforms—and less profitable to the entities that are competing for their attention.

What happens when you use AI differently?

  • Encourage public awareness and digital autonomy

  • Normalize thoughtful use of AI

When AI tools are created by you, they can support you rather than undermine you, fostering focused attention, attunement with habits, clarity of emotional regulation, and even healthier sleep habits. 

Public Figures and Institutions Can Adopt Ethical Technology and Still Be Profitable

Companies that lead on responsible AI practices often see increased trust, user retention, and long-term growth. A 2020 article in the World Economic Forum highlights that organizations which build ethical frameworks into their digital tools report stronger reputational resilience and stakeholder alignment.

Public figures and institutions have a unique opportunity to shape the responsible use of Artificial Technology. They can:

  • Choose to post their content platforms that don’t reply on addictive design

  • Support AI tools that center user clarity over manipulation

Year-Round Commitment to Digital Wellness

Just like implementing language accessibility in events, digital wellbeing must be considered early in the building process. Doing so cannot be an afterthought.

Artificial intelligence is already embedded in how people live, learn, and communicate. The question is no longer if AI is used—but how, by whom, and to what end.

We believe it’s time to build AI that actively supports mental autonomy and long-term wellbeing. Click this link to learn more about our project: The Digital Shift.

An elder is seated outside, wearing in business casual attire, and smiling while looking at a phone. Green trees are blurred in the distance.