We Need Positive Visions for AI Grounded in Wellbeing

The article argues for developing positive, wellbeing-focused visions of artificial intelligence rather than defaulting to dystopian or purely commercial narratives. It emphasizes that AI's transformative potential is nearly certain, yet society lacks a shared constructive framework for imagining beneficial outcomes. The piece suggests that intentional, values-driven approaches to AI development and deployment are necessary to guide the technology toward human flourishing.

The author contends that current AI discourse tends toward two extremes: either catastrophic warnings or profit-driven innovation with minimal consideration for societal impact. This polarization leaves little space for nuanced exploration of how AI could genuinely improve wellbeing across communities. The article implies that without deliberate effort to articulate positive visions grounded in human values, AI development will continue along a trajectory determined by market forces and technical feasibility alone.

The central premise is that reimagining AI's role in society around wellbeing metrics—rather than efficiency or growth—represents both a moral imperative and a practical necessity. By establishing wellbeing-centered frameworks now, stakeholders can better influence AI's trajectory and ensure the technology serves broader human interests. The piece suggests this requires collaborative effort across technologists, policymakers, and communities to define what constitutes genuine progress.