AI as a Trickster Technology: Disrupting and Rearticulating Reality

Boundary Crossers and Transgressors

Tricksters thrive on crossing boundaries and challenging norms. They exist at the edges of society and reveal the fluidity of these boundaries (gender, manners, rules, language, morality etc) actions.

AI, too, crosses traditional boundaries, disrupting industries and social norms. For instance, AI-driven automation is reshaping the job market, challenging the traditional notions of work and employment.

Hyde’s concept of “artus-work” describes tricksters as those who work at the joints of society, creating separation and placing boundary markers in new places (Hyde, Trickster Makes This World: Mischief, Myth, and Art, 1998).

In my research, I discuss how tricksters reveal the “hidden joints holding the old world together” and create new possibilities for engagement (Buxton, 2015). For me, AI holds this same role. Rapidly changing aspects of society – even how we perceive truth and reality.

Agents of Change and Chaos

Tricksters often act as catalysts for change. Their actions, whether intentional or not, lead to significant transformations. The Monkey King from Chinese literature is a prime example of a trickster whose chaos brings enlightenment. Tricksters’ role as agents of change is evident in how they rearticulate reality, disrupting the status quo to foster innovation (Buxton, 2015).

Similarly, AI disrupts the status quo, prompting new ways of thinking and doing. It provokes change by challenging existing systems and introducing innovative solutions – often through extreme disruption. 

Humour and Playfulness

Tricksters use humour and playfulness to reveal more profound truths about human nature and society. Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream exemplifies this trait through his mischievous actions. As my thesis notes, the humour and playful nature of tricksters allow them to transcend traditional boundaries and offer new perspectives on reality (Buxton, 2015).

AI can also support playfulness, as seen in AI-generated art and music, which push the boundaries of creativity and provoke thought about the nature of artistic expression. 

Survivors and Outsiders

Tricksters often survive by their wits, living on the fringes of society – dwelling on the boundaries of societies. One foot in and out. This outsider status gives them a unique perspective. The trickster’s ability to survive and thrive on the edges of society is a testament to their adaptability and resilience (Buxton, 2015).

While not a traditional outsider, AI operates on the fringes of human capabilities, extending our potential and challenging our understanding of what machines can do. It is considered with fear, avoided, embraced with awe and can cause addictive obsession. All these boundary traits feel to me where AI sits currently in society presently. 

These traits show that AI, like traditional tricksters, disrupts and reshapes our understanding of reality. This disruption compels us to critically examine the technology itself and the societal structures and norms it challenges.

Recognising AI as a modern-day trickster gives us a valuable framework for navigating its complexities. This perspective allows us to anticipate and mitigate potential risks while seizing opportunities for innovation and positive transformation.

Embracing AI’s trickster nature encourages us to remain vigilant, adaptable, and creative in our approach, ultimately enabling us to harness its transformative potential for the betterment of society particularly when engaging with complex issues like climate change.