---
title: "Watch – Artificial Intelligence: Progress or peril?"
description: "As record levels of power are handed to algorithms by a society eager to outsource its thinking, the conversation around AI is shifting. From soaring water and energy demands to cognitive overload, job disruption, and the erosion of shared truth, the hidden tolls of artificial intelligence are mounting. In this analysis, Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis talks about the urgent need to reckon with AI’s dark side before it shapes a future we didn’t choose."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Rebecca Davis"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/rebeccadavis-2-2/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-25-watch-artificial-intelligence-progress-or-peril/"
published: "2025-07-25T12:00:35"
updated: "2025-07-27T19:47:02"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 41
---

# Watch – Artificial Intelligence: Progress or peril?

> As record levels of power are handed to algorithms by a society eager to outsource its thinking, the conversation around AI is shifting. From soaring water and energy demands to cognitive overload, job disruption, and the erosion of shared truth, the hidden tolls of artificial intelligence are mounting. In this analysis, Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis talks about the urgent need to reckon with AI’s dark side before it shapes a future we didn’t choose.

By Rebecca Davis · Published 25 July 2025, 14:00 SAST · Updated 27 July 2025, 21:47 SAST

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m80BXoWc6cI)

Reporting by: Rebecca Davis
Produced by: Emilie Gambade
Edited by: Rufaro Chiswo
Filmed by: Bernard Kotze & Joel Seboa
Sub-edited by: Kevin Flynn

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