AI may cost us our ability to listen, oral historian warns in the Guardian
Much of the worry about AI is that it will erode how well we write. Australian oral historian Shirleene Robinson thinks the bigger loss may be our ability to listen. She made the case in an opinion column for The Guardian.
An Australian oral historian warns that the rise of AI may lead to a decline in our ability to listen, a critical aspect of human connection and empathy.
What happened
Australian oral historian Shirleene Robinson warns that the increasing use of AI may lead to a decline in our ability to listen, which she argues is more critical to human connection than the loss of writing skills. She cites research showing a steady decrease in daily spoken words and emphasizes the importance of listening for empathy and understanding.
Why it matters
For AI developers and technology professionals, this article highlights the potential unintended consequences of AI adoption on human communication and empathy. It underscores the need to consider how AI tools might affect fundamental human interactions and the importance of preserving listening as a core human skill.
- AI's impact on communication may extend beyond writing to include the loss of listening skills.
- Listening is essential for empathy and understanding, which are vital for human connection.
- The use of chatbots may be contributing to a decline in daily spoken words.
- Preserving diverse human voices through oral history is crucial for maintaining empathy.
- The article raises concerns about the broader societal impact of AI on human interaction.
The bigger picture
The article suggests that the increasing reliance on AI tools may lead to a reduction in meaningful human interaction, particularly in listening to diverse perspectives, which could have long-term implications for empathy and understanding in society.
The article serves as a cautionary note about the potential unintended consequences of AI on human communication, emphasizing the importance of listening as a fundamental human skill that may be at risk of being lost.
Technical details
- Research data showing a decline in daily spoken words from 16,000 to 12,700 over 15 years.
- Reference to chatbots and their role in shaping communication patterns.
- Use of oral history collections as a means to preserve diverse human voices and stories.
FAQ
What is the main concern raised by Shirleene Robinson?
Robinson is concerned that the rise of AI may lead to a decline in our ability to listen, which she argues is more critical to human connection than the loss of writing skills.
What research supports the decline in spoken words?
Research by psychologists at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and the University of Arizona shows a steady decline in daily spoken words from 16,000 to 12,700 over 15 years.
Why is listening important according to the article?
Listening is important because it builds empathy and allows us to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
How does the article relate to AI chatbots?
The article notes that as chatbots become more prevalent, people may be speaking less, which could contribute to a decline in meaningful human interaction.
What role does oral history play in the article?
Oral history is highlighted as a means to preserve diverse human voices and stories, which are essential for maintaining empathy and understanding.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
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Originally published by The Next Web AI on Oct 3, 2026.
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