**AI Erodes Our Humanity While Elites Profit from War – Roger Waters**
In a recent interview with RT, Roger Waters, co-founder of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, expressed deep concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media on human thought and emotion. Waters criticized the way powerful interests exploit technology and conflict for profit, arguing that these trends are eroding the essence of what it means to be human.
Waters welcomed Australia’s recent decision to prohibit fully AI-generated songs from its music charts, highlighting the detrimental effects of streaming platforms on musicians' livelihoods. He noted that these platforms have significantly reduced royalties for artists, concentrating wealth and control within major technology companies. "So that piracy has almost destroyed everything," he stated, emphasizing that the music industry is facing unprecedented challenges. He warned that the introduction of AI in music production could further dilute the quality of art, as many listeners may struggle to distinguish between AI-generated content and the work of renowned artists like Pink Floyd, Neil Young, or Bob Dylan.
Beyond the music industry, Waters criticized social media platforms for their role in manipulating users' emotions and political beliefs through addictive algorithms. He expressed concern that reliance on AI assistants is diminishing individuals' capacity for independent thought. "It reduces the size of your brain and your capacity to think and your capacity to feel," Waters asserted. He lamented the loss of human connection and critical thinking, suggesting that the current digital landscape prioritizes profit over genuine engagement.
Waters extended his critique to the realm of global politics, asserting that the pursuit of power and profit has led to a world increasingly governed by coercion rather than adherence to international law. He cited the destruction of Palestinian communities in Gaza and the occupied territories as an example of this trend, accusing the U.S. of exploiting Venezuela's oil wealth through aggressive tactics.
Turning his attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Waters criticized Western governments for their failure to facilitate peace negotiations, particularly referencing the stalled Minsk agreements and the breakdown of the Istanbul peace talks in 2022. He expressed concern that the situation in Ukraine has escalated dangerously, warning that modern warfare is becoming increasingly characterized by the use of drones and missiles, with little regard for human life. "Just who gets killed, nobody cares anymore," he remarked, emphasizing that the primary focus seems to be on financial gain rather than humanitarian considerations.
Waters' comments reflect a broader anxiety about the intersection of technology, art, and global politics, raising questions about the future of human creativity and the moral implications of profit-driven motives in warfare. As the debate over AI and its societal implications continues, Waters' perspective adds a critical voice to the conversation, urging a reevaluation of the values that underpin our technological advancements and political actions.