Deciding without understanding: navigating the boundaries of AI
AI is rapidly penetrating everyday life, but raises both questions and answers, as became clear during the Koningshoeve Summer Sessions.
Published on September 14, 2025
Bart, co-founder of Media52 and Professor of Journalism oversees IO+, events, and Laio. A journalist at heart, he keeps writing as many stories as possible.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing in everyday life. From creative applications, such as personalized songs or tattoo designs, to serious uses in medical diagnoses and disaster relief, almost everyone is now involved with it. However, while some users enthusiastically discuss the new possibilities, others are concerned about privacy, dependence, and the erosion of human authenticity.
This is also evident from an initial analysis of conversation protocols that Dembrane collected with the ECHO tool during the summer sessions of BrabantKennis. The report outlines a wide range of experiences, expectations, and dilemmas surrounding AI.
From recipes to disaster relief
AI is already being utilized in a wide range of applications. Examples range from automatic summaries of meetings and translation assistance when traveling to creative experiments such as jewelry design and birthday songs. Serious applications are also emerging, such as the use of drones for biological crop protection and the application of AI in emergency relief in Africa.
One of the participants aptly expressed their amazement at the speed: “Within two minutes, I had a complete animation that would have cost thousands of euros in the past.”
Enthusiasm and skepticism
That amazement often goes hand in hand with doubt. According to the Brabantkennis poll, 70 percent of people believe that AI should be more strictly regulated. AI-generated photos and videos, in particular, arouse suspicion: 76 percent view this as a negative development due to the risk of fake news and manipulation.
The concerns are wide-ranging, including privacy (50 percent), dependence on technology (49 percent), and the power of large tech companies (48 percent). Loss of human contact (47 percent) and job threats (40 percent) are also frequently mentioned.
Healthcare is seen as an area where AI can make a significant difference. Applications that help with early cancer screening or support doctors in complex diagnoses are considered promising. However, there is also a clear red line here: AI must always be a tool and not a substitute for human expertise. “Doctors can use AI, but it should not replace medical decision-making,” was the sentiment expressed in the discussions.
Creativity and education
The role of AI in the creative and educational sectors is striking. Music in the style of Michael Jackson, self-written podcasts, scripts, and even complete videos based on a short prompt: participants cited countless examples. AI has also become indispensable in classrooms and lectures. Teachers use it to set tests, while students check that their work does not accidentally contain too many ‘AI traces’.
However, there is also criticism: texts and speeches often lack depth and originality. One discussion partner said: “It remained flat and lacked human nuance.”
Friend or replacement?
One of the most controversial themes is the use of AI in personal relationships and mental health. Examples range from AI buddies for lonely elderly people to virtual partners and therapy apps. Although some users experience less loneliness, there is also a warning here: too much dependence can lead to a loss of real social contact.
The mistrust is strongest when AI is used in government processes. Applications in benefit assessment or data analysis immediately bring to mind the benefits scandal. Citizens fear a lack of transparency, unjust decisions, and discrimination. AI applications related to embryo selection are also rejected by the majority due to ethical objections.
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Opportunity and threat
Opinions differ on the consequences for work. Proponents view AI as an opportunity to automate tedious tasks, thereby freeing up more time for meaningful work and potentially enabling a shorter working week. At the same time, however, 55 percent of people fear that AI will displace jobs.
Actual trust in AI is limited, with only a quarter of people implicitly trusting the advice of AI systems. For most people, it remains a tool, nothing more.
The common thread running through all the discussions is clear: AI may inspire, support, and accelerate, but people want to remain in control. “Ultimately, the decision is always yours.”
Critical embrace
The analysis by Dembrane and BrabantKennis reveals that society is deeply immersed in the reality of AI, experiencing a mix of enthusiasm, skepticism, hope, and concern simultaneously. The convenience and creativity of AI are undeniable, but questions about privacy, authenticity, and human control are felt just as strongly.
The message from the discussions is clear: embrace AI as a tool, but remain critical. Ensure transparency, human oversight, and clear ethical boundaries. Only then can AI contribute to a society that advances technologically while preserving human values.