[DECODED] AI is Changing Our Lives More Than We Realize

A recent study indicates that Filipinos are among the world's most active internet users, averaging 36 hours and 12 minutes online weekly, far exceeding the global average of 19 hours. This usage is not just for social media or entertainment; it includes a growing reliance on generative AI tools.

Digital Trends and AI Usage in the Philippines

The "Digital 2027" report from Meltwater and We Are Social highlights the increasing engagement with generative AI, noting that 94.4% of Filipinos utilize such tools monthly. In contrast, global usage stands at 85.2%. This trend raises important questions about the implications of AI in everyday life.

We must ensure that we, the humans, are the ones guiding this change.

Pauline Macaraeg, Rappler

The implications of this digital engagement extend to child safety. Recent discussions among stakeholders, including Meta, underscore the urgency of addressing online risks for children. This is particularly pressing in light of recent incidents of school violence that have raised alarms about the risks posed by unregulated online content.

Despite safety features like age verification and parental controls, critics argue that the responsibility often falls on families rather than the platforms that profit from user engagement. This situation echoes global concerns about the rapid spread of AI-generated misinformation, especially highlighted during Brazil's recent elections, where regulations were reportedly ignored.

The upcoming Social Good Summit on November 21 aims to address these challenges. This year's theme, "We, The Humans," will focus on embedding human values and community involvement into technology discussions.

Experts, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and historian Yuval Noah Harari, will gather to discuss the role of AI in society and the importance of community in shaping its future.