Could AI help us, not replace us?

This episode of the TED Radio Hour explores the urgent question of how artificial intelligence can serve humanity rather than replace it. Host Manoush Zomorodi interviews pioneers and innovators like Tom Gruber, co-inventor of Siri, and Priya Lakhani, founder of Century Tech, who advocate for 'humanistic AI'—technology designed to augment human capabilities, not automate them. Gruber reflects on the early days of AI development, emphasizing the need for ethical guardrails and a focus on human benefit over profit. He introduces the metaphor of 'Big Mother'—a nurturing, protective AI aligned with human well-being. Lakhani shares how her educational platform uses AI to reduce teacher workload and personalize learning, but deliberately avoids gamification and instant answers to foster 'productive struggle' and deep learning. Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, offers a historical perspective, arguing that job disruption is a recurring theme in human evolution, and while AI may displace certain roles, it will also create new opportunities. The episode concludes with a call for public awareness, ethical design, and a shift in how we measure success in AI—from engagement to meaningful human growth.