Can AI save Mauritius?

A month ago I had an enthralling conversation with a prominent political figure in Mauritius. According to him, the people of Mauritius are not yet prepared for radical change, a revelation wrapped in the depths of his convictions.

As we delved into the heart of the matter, he expounded on the delicate fabric of Mauritian society. Drawing a lamentable picture, he revealed the prevailing lack of political maturity that keeps the populace from uniting as one force. Instead, he lamented, they remain confined within the walls of sectarian divisions, stifling the potential for collective action and progress. The atmosphere crackled with a sense of introspection as we contemplated the hurdles that lie ahead, holding back the bold leap towards a transformative future.

His wise words were that change takes time. We don't have time, I told him. We have existential crisis at hands - Global warming, rising sea level, increase in cyclone occurrence, our inability to achieve food auto-sufficiency, and not to mention the high probability of a global or regional war, put Mauritius in a precarious situation. By the time we were done chatting, the sun was casting long shadows across the Mauritian landscape. The vibrant colors of the island seemed to echo the richness of its history, a tapestry woven with stories of triumphs and struggles. Yet, amidst this remarkable backdrop, the pressing reality of the nation's unripe readiness for radical change stood out like an unsolved puzzle, yearning for resolution.

As I drove home, I wonder could AI be used to bring people together, specifically the manipulative power of AI? This is nothing new - the narratives of any issue or conflict have always been controlled by those who have a deep interest in them. It's no surprise that the media is controlled by the rich and powerful. History is often told from the point of view of the oppressor or victor - like Robert Clive is still regarded as a national British hero. Not so long ago, the TV and newspapers were the most influential tools. Now it's youtube, facebook,instagram, tiktok, x etc used by social media influencers.

AI is a game changer, as it is tool that can lower the cost of wielding influence.

Yuval Harari argues that AI has hacked the operating system of human civilization. It is not hard to understand this concept when you see toddlers and even babies already interacting with phones, tablets for dopamine release! (side note, reading books, on the hand releases serotonin, which is way better for your mind and body). It is an uphill battle to stay conscious

Is it wrong to use AI for a good deed? as in to unite the Mauritian people in developing a common Mauritian identity? I'm reminded here that no good deed goes unpunished...I guess history will tell.