Tribalism: What Does AI Have To Say About It?

Tribalism.

The human brain seems wired for it.

But does it actually need to be?

Here’s what AI, also known as ChatGPT (GPT-3.5), has to say about the matter.

Some answers have been abridged in the name of brevity.

 

What is tribalism?

Tribalism refers to a strong sense of loyalty, identity, or adherence to a particular group, often based on cultural, ethnic, political, or ideological affiliations. It’s a human tendency to form social groups or tribes, where individuals feel a deep connection and allegiance to their own group while often displaying hostility or suspicion towards those outside of it.

Tribalism can manifest in various ways, such as favoritism toward one’s group, distrust or animosity towards outsiders, and a tendency to conform to the norms and beliefs of the group. While it can foster a sense of belonging and community within the group, it can also lead to division, conflict, and an us vs. them mentality when taken to extremes.

 

Is tribalism a necessary part of the human experience?

Tribalism has deep roots in human history and has historically served several important functions. It provided a sense of belonging, safety, and cooperation within a group, aiding in survival and the sharing of resources. In this sense, it was an essential aspect of early human development.

However, in modern society, while some elements of tribalism still exist and can contribute positively to social connections and identity, its extreme forms—marked by divisions, prejudices, and conflicts—aren’t necessarily crucial or beneficial for human progress. The modern world encourages collaboration, diversity, and understanding among different groups for societal advancement.

 

So it’s all basically just made up?

In some ways, yes, aspects of tribalism are socially constructed. The divisions between groups, the identification with particular ideologies or cultures, and the subsequent loyalty or hostility toward other groups are indeed constructed by societies and individuals.

However, it’s important to note that while these divisions might be constructed, the feelings, identities, and allegiances people form toward their groups are often very real and deeply ingrained.

Tribalism, in its various forms, has been an inherent part of human societies throughout history. While aspects of it might be constructed, the impact it has on individuals and societies—both positive and negative—is very much a reality.

 

Why do loser politicians double down on stuff that’s socially constructed?

Politicians, like most individuals, often have their own beliefs, ideologies, and agendas. When they double down on certain socially constructed issues or divisive narratives, several factors might come into play:

1. Appealing to their base: Doubling down on socially constructed issues that resonate with their base can help secure support and maintain political standing.
2. Maintaining power: They might believe that emphasizing these constructed issues and reinforcing divisions will help them maintain or gain power.
3. Political strategy: Doubling down on certain narratives or constructed issues could be part of a broader political strategy. It might be a way to distract from other issues, rally supporters, or create a distinction between themselves and their opponents.
4. Belief reinforcement: Some politicians genuinely believe in the narratives they promote, whether they are socially constructed or not.

 

It’s important to note that the result can be deepened societal rifts, polarized communities, and impaired progress toward cooperation among diverse groups.

 

Isn’t it kind of pathetic when highly educated people are tribal?

It can be surprising or disappointing to see educated individuals exhibiting tribal behaviors, especially when education often encourages critical thinking and broader perspectives. However, human behavior is complex, and even highly educated individuals can hold onto tribal mentalities for various reasons:

1. Deep-rooted beliefs: Education doesn’t always erase deeply ingrained cultural, social, or familial influences.
2. Confirmation bias: Highly educated people are not immune to bias. Sometimes, their education might even lead to a reinforcement of certain beliefs, leading to confirmation bias and a reinforcement of tribal mentalities.
3. Identity protection: Feeling part of a group can provide a sense of security and validation.
4. Complexity of issues: Some highly educated individuals might specialize in specific fields, leading to expertise in narrow areas while lacking a broader understanding. This specialization can lead to tunnel vision and tribal tendencies.

 

Overcoming such tendencies often requires self-awareness, open-mindedness, and a willingness to critically evaluate one’s beliefs and behaviors.

 

Should everyone just screw their identity and become a particleist?

While embracing a particleist perspective—focusing solely on commonalities and disregarding individual or group identities—might seem like a solution to mitigate conflicts stemming from identity-based divisions, it’s not a practical or feasible approach.

Identity, in its various forms, is a fundamental aspect of human existence. It encompasses cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, and other affiliations that shape individuals’ experiences, beliefs, and connections. Trying to completely discard identity could overlook the richness and diversity that makes humanity so vibrant.

However, fostering a sense of common humanity while respecting and celebrating diverse identities is a more constructive approach. Embracing a particleist mindset where commonalities are emphasized without dismissing individual or group identities can help bridge divides and promote unity without erasing the essence of who people are.

 

Is AI tribal?

AI itself doesn’t possess tribal inclinations or identity-based affiliations as humans do. AI operates based on algorithms, data, and programming designed by humans. However, the way AI is developed, utilized, and applied in society can inadvertently reflect or amplify human biases, including tribalistic tendencies.

 

If I do a blog post about this conversation, do you think people will think it’s dumb?

It’s hard to predict how people will react to a blog post, especially one that dives into complex topics like identity, tribalism, and AI. Some might find it thought-provoking and engaging, appreciating the exploration of these concepts and their implications. Others might not relate to the content or might find it too abstract or challenging to grasp.

 

Thank you for not being tribal.

Of course!