What is the actual price of Internet products?
Path to personal and private internet
Introduction
What is the hidden price of Internet products? Now, it is even more vivid with AI-based products. The cost of chatGPT is not just $20; it is much, much more. We fail to transfer the pseudo-anonymous and private nature of inter-human relations on the internet, and as a result, we sacrifice part of our privacy over convenience. Privacy is a primary victim of the internet era. Together with money, quite often, you pay a hidden price for your privacy and your data, together with your intellectual property. If you see a free product, it probably has an even much more hidden price. The next hidden currency is your attention and time. And one of the most significant prices is your personality. Internet-driven algorithms and models trained on vast amounts of open public, not curated data, give you mediocre average results full of biased and false beliefs. I believe in the personal and private future of the Internet. Do not compromise on privacy and your personality — be a sovereign self. The Illusion of Free: Unveiling the Hidden Costs
The video The Hidden Costs of AI-Based Internet Products delves into the intricate web of hidden costs that come with using AI-based products like ChatGPT. At first glance, the price tag may seem straightforward, but the actual costs are far-reaching and often intangible.
Privacy: The First Casualty
One of the most glaring costs is the erosion of privacy. When you interact with AI-based services, your data is often stored, analyzed, and potentially shared with third parties. This is a far cry from the pseudo-anonymous and private nature of inter-human relations that we are accustomed to in the physical world. The video emphasizes how this data collection is not just a breach of privacy but also a potential goldmine for companies that can monetize this data in various ways.
Intellectual Property: The Silent Theft
Another hidden cost that is often overlooked is the loss of intellectual property. When you engage with AI-based services, the content you create or the ideas you share can be stored and potentially used for other purposes. This is a form of intellectual property theft that many users are not aware of.
Time and Attention: The New Currency
Lets highlight how AI-based products are designed to capture your attention and keep you engaged for as long as possible. This is a form of “attention economy” where your time becomes a new form of currency. The more time you spend, the more data is collected, and the cycle continues.
Personality: The Subtle Transformation
Perhaps the most insidious cost is the impact on your personality. AI algorithms are trained on vast amounts of data, often not curated, leading to mediocre and biased results. Over time, these algorithms can subtly influence your behavior and beliefs, leading you down a path that you may not have chosen if you were fully aware of the influences at play.
The Path Forward: Sovereign Self
Be a “sovereign self.” This means taking control of your data, your time, and your intellectual property. It means being aware of the hidden costs and making informed decisions. It’s a call for better tooling and systems that prioritize user privacy and data security.
Conclusion
The hidden costs of AI-based Internet products are multifaceted and often not immediately apparent. They range from the erosion of privacy and the loss of intellectual property to the more subtle costs like your time and even your personality. As we move towards a more AI-driven world, it’s crucial to be aware of these hidden costs and make informed choices. Let’s strive for a personal and private future of the Internet, where we do not compromise on our privacy and personality. Stay tuned for better tooling that prioritizes these values.
