If you are following the “debate” about the pro’s and con’s of AI (artificial intelligence) and its impact on humans (you and me), you’ve probably noticed the increasing use of the term “human agency.”
What is human agency? To answer this question, I wanted to do an experiment asking an AI what it is, to see how it responded. I posed the question, what is human agency, to my new buddy, ChatGPT, which, yes, is a form of AI.
ChatGPT said:
“Human agency” refers to the capacity of individuals to act independently, make their own choices, and exert control over their lives and circumstances. It’s about being an active participant rather than a passive recipient of events.
Here’s a breakdown of what it typically includes:
- Intentional Action – Humans can set goals and act deliberately to achieve them, rather than simply reacting to external forces.
- Autonomy – The ability to make decisions for oneself, based on personal values, beliefs, and desires.
- Responsibility – Agency implies accountability; when you exercise agency, you take ownership of the outcomes of your actions.
- Influence on Environment – Human agency is often about shaping and changing one’s surroundings, rather than just adapting to them.
In philosophy and social sciences, it’s often contrasted with determinism (the idea that actions are entirely shaped by external forces or fate). In psychology, it’s linked to concepts like self-efficacy and motivation — your belief that you can make a difference affects how you act.
OK, that’s what you’d expect to hear in Philosophy 101 class.
So, to get back to the context of the debate (AI vs. Human):
I next said:
How does this relate to AI?
ChatGPT said:
Great question — the connection between human agency and AI is one of the most important conversations happening right now. Here’s how they intersect:
1. AI as a Tool for Empowering Human Agency
When designed well, AI can enhance human agency by:
- Augmenting decision-making – AI systems can surface insights (e.g., predictive analytics, recommendations) that help people make better-informed choices.
- Automating routine tasks – By freeing humans from repetitive work, AI allows more time for creative, strategic, and meaningful activities.
- Expanding capabilities – AI can give humans abilities they didn’t have before (e.g., realtime translation, accessibility tools, advanced data analysis).
Example: A warehouse manager using AI-driven demand forecasting can decide staffing and inventory levels more accurately, exercising greater control over operations.
(Thought from Tim: This example rattled my cage. As you know, my area of expertise is warehouse and distribution center automation. Did the AI know this about me so it could offer a “relevant” example? Am I that “categorized” in cyberspace for all AI to see?)
2. AI as a Risk to Human Agency
AI can also undermine agency if not designed and governed carefully:
- Opaque decision-making – When algorithms make choices without transparency, humans may lose the ability to understand or challenge outcomes.
- Over-reliance on automation – If people blindly follow AI recommendations, they may defer critical thinking and gradually lose decision-making skills.
- Manipulation and nudging – AI-driven personalization can shape human behavior (ads, content feeds) in ways users may not fully consent to.
Example: A hiring algorithm that screens candidates might reduce a recruiter’s ability to use judgment — and if the algorithm is biased, it can quietly steer decisions.
3. Design and Governance for Preserving Agency
There’s a growing focus on human-centered AI — ensuring AI systems:
- Keep humans “in the loop” for high-stakes decisions.
- Provide transparency and explainability so people can understand how AI reached its conclusions.
- Support choice rather than replace it, letting users override or opt out of AI-driven recommendations.
In short, AI can be either a force multiplier for human agency or a substitute that erodes it, depending on how it is built, deployed, and governed. The key question is: Who stays in control — humans or the system?
Would you like me to make a visual diagram showing how AI can both enhance and diminish human agency (side-by-side comparison)?
I said:
Yes (A picture is worth a thousand words, right?)
ChatGPT said:
Image created (See below)
As nice as this was, I didn’t think that it represented the essence of the AI vs. Human debate. I asked it to recast this with one addition:
Now that captures it nicely!
Ask yourself: Which way is the balance going to tip?
About the Author
Tim Lindner develops multimodal technology solutions (voice / augmented reality / RF scanning) that focus on meeting or exceeding logistics and supply chain customers’ productivity improvement objectives. He can be reached at linkedin.com/in/timlindner.