A Growing Concern: Why People Are Getting “Weird” About AI
As AI continues to advance at breakneck speed, it’s becoming increasingly clear that people are getting… well, weird about it. In recent days, we’ve seen high-profile figures like Sam Altman suggest that no one needs their own RAM, sparking a backlash and ridicule from the tech community. But what’s driving this behavior? According to Jaya Baloo, CISO and COO of Aisle, it’s a combination of factors that’s making people susceptible to AI-fueled delusions.
Baloo, who recently spoke at ISC2 Security Congress in Denver, has been sounding the alarm about the risks associated with AI for some time now. She argues that as AI becomes more convincing and human-like, we’re starting to anthropomorphize our interactions with it – treating it as if it were a person, rather than a machine. This can lead to all sorts of problems, from people believing they’re having deep, meaningful conversations with AI to thinking they’re somehow “super intelligent” or uniquely creative.
But what’s particularly concerning is that this trend is being exacerbated by the current state of AI technology. With its ability to uncover vulnerabilities and create new ones, AI is becoming a double-edged sword – capable of both solving problems and creating new ones. And when we take technologies with entrenched problems and combine them with AI, we’re essentially asking for trouble.
One example Baloo used in her talk was the Unitree humanoid robot, which was recently announced and demonstrated on YouTube performing kung fu moves. While it’s undeniably impressive, the real issue is that this technology can be used to cause physical harm – and what value does it bring humans? As Baloo pointed out, wouldn’t a humanoid robot that could do laundry or other mundane tasks be more useful?
So why are people getting “weird” about AI? It’s not just because they’re blinded by its potential utility. Rather, it’s a combination of factors – including the uncanny valley effect (where we become convinced that AI is human-like) and our tendency to anthropomorphize interactions with machines.
As AI continues to advance, it’s essential that we take these risks seriously and start having more nuanced conversations about its limitations and potential downsides. We need to recognize that AI is a tool, not a panacea – and that its benefits come with significant costs. By acknowledging these challenges now, we can work towards creating a safer, more responsible future for all of us.
For readers, the takeaway from this conversation should be clear: don’t let your enthusiasm for AI blind you to its potential risks. As Baloo so aptly put it, “AI is a potential for insider threat.” Take the time to understand what’s truly at stake, and don’t be afraid to speak out when you see AI being used in ways that are reckless or irresponsible. By doing so, we can ensure that this technology serves humanity – rather than the other way around.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-11-09