Will Humans Govern AI, or Will AI Govern Humans? [VIDEO]

by Francesco Mancini

Interview with Benedetta Giovanola on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence, Freedom, Moral Responsibility and the Future of Democracy

Abstract: Artificial intelligence is progressively transforming not only economic and productive processes, but also the ways in which individuals establish relationships, exercise judgement, make decisions and interpret reality. This interview with Benedetta Giovanola examines the relationship between technological development, individual freedom, democracy and ethical responsibility, emphasizing that the trajectory of artificial intelligence is not determined by technology alone, but by the cultural, legal and moral choices that shape its development and institutional deployment. The discussion highlights the importance of critical awareness as an essential condition for ensuring that technological innovation remains oriented towards human autonomy, dignity and democratic agency, rather than becoming an instrument capable of influencing, constraining or manipulating individual and collective processes of thought.

Keywords: #ArtificialIntelligence #Ethics #Democracy #Freedom #Responsibility #HumanRelationships #CriticalThinking #Technology #Governance #MoralPhilosophy #Meeting2026 #BenedettaGiovanola #EthicaSocietas #EthicaSocietasReview #ScientificJournal #SocialSciences #ethicasocietasupli

versione italiana

Benedetta Giovanola is Full Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Macerata, where she serves as Director of the Research Centre in Philosophy and AI (PhilAI). She is a member of the Italian National Bioethics Committee at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and conducts internationally recognized research on the ethics of artificial intelligence, moral philosophy, technological responsibility, and the ethics of emerging technologies. Her scholarship is widely regarded as one of the leading Italian contributions to the European debate on human-centred artificial intelligence, the governance of innovation, and the protection of fundamental rights within the digital ecosystem.

Massimiliano Mancini: “Artificial intelligence is widely described as one of the greatest opportunities of our time and is already deeply embedded in the economy. To what extent will it transform human relationships—or has it already done so?”

Benedetta Giovanola: “It is already profoundly transforming human relationships because artificial intelligence systems are reshaping the way we act, interact, and even think. Consider, for example, how social media have already challenged our very understanding of what a relationship is. Today, scholars even discuss forms of relationality between artificial intelligence systems and human beings, as well as AI-mediated human relationships. This demonstrates both the extraordinary power of these technologies and the importance of ensuring that they are designed, developed, and deployed in ways that strengthen and support authentic human relationships rather than impoverishing or replacing them.”

Massimiliano Mancini: “In this context, will we become freer and live in more democratic societies, or do we risk moving in the opposite direction?”

Benedetta Giovanola: “The answer depends on us, because this is not a predetermined or deterministic process. The future will be shaped by the choices we make today. Depending on how artificial intelligence systems are designed and used, they can lead us in very different directions. They may restrict our freedom of thought and action by narrowing the range of alternatives from which we choose, as we increasingly observe in phenomena such as social and political polarization. Conversely, they can foster broader and more informed decision-making by exposing us to diverse perspectives and alternative viewpoints. In doing so, they may also contribute to revitalizing democratic practices.”

Massimiliano Mancini: “Will we continue to govern artificial intelligence, or—as many science fiction films predicted decades ago and now seem remarkably prophetic—do we risk eventually being governed by it?”

Benedetta Giovanola: “Science fiction is often highly instructive, particularly on this subject, because it presents us with dystopian scenarios that we might otherwise fail to imagine. These narratives help us recognize the real risks we face and encourage us to act now to prevent such scenarios from becoming reality. Whether artificial intelligence governs us or not ultimately depends on our willingness to make responsible choices today. If we act wisely and responsibly, we can ensure that these technologies remain under human control.”

Massimiliano Mancini: “Will these be primarily legal choices or cultural ones?”

Benedetta Giovanola: “Law always regulates reality after certain developments have already taken place. It is therefore essential in preventing harms that have already emerged from recurring in the future and in guiding technological development toward outcomes that benefit society. However, law alone is not sufficient. It is equally important that we preserve our capacity for critical thinking, moral reasoning, and practical wisdom, enabling us to evaluate the ethical implications involved whenever we decide how to use these technologies and what role they should play in our lives.”

Massimiliano Mancini: “Has artificial intelligence already changed the way we think?”

Benedetta Giovanola: “It certainly has, and it will continue to do so. For this reason, we must become aware of our own vulnerabilities and seek to prevent their negative consequences. If we assume that artificial intelligence systems are merely neutral tools entirely under our control, believing ourselves to be perfectly rational agents, we risk underestimating their influence on our cognitive processes. By contrast, recognizing our cognitive limitations and vulnerabilities can foster greater awareness and encourage actions capable of preventing undue influence—or even manipulation—of human thought.”