⏱ 1 min read
Background
Tristan Harris is the co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology. He was warning about the harms of social media more than ten years before the documentary "The Social Dilemma". He spoke at the AI for Good Summit 2026 in Geneva, at Palexpo.
The key points
According to Tristan Harris, the acceleration of artificial intelligence is first and foremost explained by economics. Companies operate in a system where slowing engagement growth would go against market expectations, Bilan reports.
He believes the same logic governs the global AI race. Labs fear being overtaken, states fear losing their lead and investors expect returns. An AI can also help create a more powerful AI.
Key figures
- According to Meta, its AI-powered recommendations have increased time spent on Instagram by around 24% since the launch of Reels.
What it means for businesses
As long as success metrics remain time spent and engagement, platforms will keep optimising in that direction, he says. Meta faces multiple lawsuits in the United States over compulsive use of its platforms.
Who says what
Tristan Harris describes AI as "the last human invention". He points to a shift from a race for attention to a race for attachment. He rejects fatalism and argues for changing the rules rather than halting innovation.
Further reading
Sources
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