Artificial intelligence impacts business decision-making and social structures

The integration of artificial intelligence into business and social life presents distinct risks and emerging economic models. In professional settings, generative AI has become a common tool for drafting documents, summarizing data, and conducting research. While a study of over 6,000 knowledge workers showed increased speed in completing tasks, experts warn against blind reliance on AI for decision-making. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) highlights the phenomenon of ‘confabulation,’ where AI systems produce false or incorrect information presented in a confident, professional, and logically structured manner.

Socially, a new phenomenon termed ‘loneliness capitalism’ is emerging. According to a study by Paul Klotz for the Fondation Jean-Jaurès, isolation is becoming an economic resource. In France, nearly a quarter of people under 40 use AI as psychological support, a friend, or a romantic partner. This model suggests that digital platforms benefit from user isolation, as AI companions and other digital services offer solutions to the very loneliness that constant screen time and social media usage may exacerbate.