Is AI The Master Or The Tool? Who’s Really In Control?

Is AI shaping society, or is society shaping AI? The debate over technological determinism questions whether technology evolves independently, forcing societies to adapt, or whether human decisions actively shape its course. Technological determinism is the theory that technological advancements drive societal changes, often beyond the control of human intervention. It suggests that once a new technology emerges, it dictates the direction of economic, political, and cultural development, leaving societies with little choice but to adapt.

The rise of AI is more than just a technological advancement, as it is a societal force reshaping industries, governance, and human interactions. Through the lens of technological determinism, AI is not merely an innovation but a driver of change, so societies must adapt quickly, often faster than regulations, ethics, and traditional institutions can keep up. The question is no longer whether AI will transform society but how much control we have over its direction.

AI and the Economy: Growth or Disruption?

As AI reshapes society, one of its most immediate and profound impacts is on the economy. Automation is redefining labour markets and economic structures, replacing traditional jobs in manufacturing, retail, and professional services with AI-driven systems. Meanwhile, new roles are emerging in data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs Report indicates that AI could create a net gain of 78 million jobs by 2030, with 170 million new jobs being created while 92 million are eliminated. Technological determinism suggests these shifts are inevitable because AI is not just supporting economic change but actively driving it. Organizations that fail to integrate AI risk obsolescence, whereas those that embrace it gain efficiency and scalability.

The AI-Driven Information Age: Who Decides What You See?

Beyond economic disruption, AI is transforming how people communicate and consume information. AI-powered algorithms influence news, entertainment, and online interactions. Social media platforms, content recommendation engines, and AI-generated journalism now shape public discourse in unprecedented ways. This raises concerns about misinformation, digital ethics, and dependence on AI-driven narratives. In Kenya, Gen Z activists are leveraging AI tools to create content that are used to educate the public, mobilize support, and voice opposition to government policies like the 2024 Finance Bill. The challenge is not just keeping up with AI-driven media but ensuring these technologies promote truth and inclusivity instead of distortion and division.

AI Ethics: Can We Trust Machines?

As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, ethical concerns become unavoidable. AI is increasingly making decisions, from approving loans to diagnosing medical conditions. This raises questions of bias, fairness, and accountability. Technological determinism suggests societies react to AI’s rapid growth instead of shaping its ethical framework. Without deliberate human intervention, AI could reinforce systemic biases rather than eliminate them. Policymakers, ethicists, and technologists must collaborate to create ethical safeguards that will guide AI toward responsible and fair outcomes.

AI Regulation: Can Governments Keep Up?

With ethical concerns on the rise, governance must keep pace. Governments are struggling to regulate AI effectively, as most policies come only after AI’s societal impact is already evident. Regulatory frameworks, such as the EU’s AI Act and China’s AI policies, acknowledge that AI is shaping societies at an irreversible pace. Yet, without a coordinated global effort, regulatory gaps will persist. This will allow AI to evolve in fragmented and potentially harmful ways. The challenge is ensuring AI governance balances innovation with societal well-being while governments act before problems emerge rather than after.

Human vs AI: Who’s Really in Control?

As AI’s role in governance and business expands, its presence in daily life is also increasing. AI-driven personal assistants and autonomous decision-making systems are becoming essential. Technological determinism suggests societies will increasingly depend on AI for cognitive tasks, productivity, and decision-making. The risk is not just over-reliance but also the potential erosion of human agency. As AI takes on more cognitive labour, human intuition and ethical reasoning must remain relevant. The challenge is not just adaptation but ensuring humans retain control over AI’s direction.

Shaping AI’s Future: Will We Lead or Follow?

With AI advancing at an unprecedented rate, society faces a critical crossroads. AI is not waiting for society to catch up because it is evolving rapidly, shaping industries, governance, and ethics. The deterministic view suggests adaptation is inevitable, yet human influence remains a critical factor. Organizations, policymakers, and thought leaders must shift from passive adoption to active governance so that AI serves as an enabler of progress rather than an uncontrollable force.

As we move deeper into the AI-driven era, the key question is not just “What can AI do?” but “What should AI do?” The future of AI is not preordained because it is shaped by the choices we make today. Whether we allow AI to dictate societal evolution or take a proactive role in guiding its growth will determine if AI remains a tool for progress or becomes an autonomous force beyond human control.