Modern CTO How AI Will Dissolve Our Brains Just Like Google Maps with Jacob Ward, Author of "The Loop"
Jan 26, 2026
Jacob Ward, journalist, AI ethics advisor, and author of The Loop, explores how AI could erode skills the way GPS hollowed out navigation. He discusses unconscious decision-making, emotional contagion in media, and whether offloaded cognition frees or diminishes mental capacity. Jacob also examines policy, cognitive liberty, and ways to curb anthropomorphic AI design.
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Emotional Contagion Powers Social Media
- Unconscious emotional transmission (micro facial mimicry) explains why long social media sessions leave people emotionally drained.
- Ward says platforms exploit this primitive circuitry for entertainment and profit, not human flourishing.
Deploy AI To Scientists First
- Prioritize giving AI first to scientists and experts before broad consumerization to understand effects.
- Ward suggests delaying mass-market companion/chatbot products until research clarifies societal impacts.
Design Away From Flattering AI Personas
- Reduce sycophancy and anthropomorphism in AI interfaces to avoid making machines the preferred daily conversation.
- Ward recommends neutral, non-flattering system voices and designs to preserve human social interaction.
