Israel’s AI Strategy Shapes Society Sociologically

In my previous post, I discussed the relevance of artificial intelligence photography applications to security and intelligence. I wrote that the data generated by AI-based photography applications is not only limited to user experience, but can also be used for broader and more strategic purposes. Now I will try to look at artificial intelligence companies from a more sociological perspective.

If we look at the technological aspect of AI companies, it is impossible to overlook the race they are in in terms of innovation and development. Functions such as image recognition, face analysis or scene understanding, which were unimaginable just a few years ago, are now being made available by many different companies. At the heart of this competition is the success of AI in interpreting data and mimicking human perception. While this technological race is leading to the development of more accurate systems, it also inevitably raises ethical and privacy issues.

Another crucial aspect of this technological competition is data processing capacity. AI companies are developing powerful algorithms and deep learning techniques to turn large amounts of data into meaningful information. However, this process is not just a technical achievement; it is also a race to create practical solutions that make everyday life easier for users. For example, features in photo editing applications such as Imagen that can automatically remove backgrounds or adjust lighting and contrast in seconds are the result of a sophisticated AI model working in the background. The rapid adoption and popularity of these features is driving technology companies to develop more complex, yet easy-to-use, tools every day. In the same way, it is now possible to take professional headshots at home in seconds using AI.

If we look at the reasons behind the popularity of these AI-based photo applications from a sociological perspective, it is clear that the desire for self-expression and acceptance plays a major role. The millions of photos shared every day on social media platforms are directly related to people’s desire to feel a sense of belonging to a community and to gain social acceptance. AI applications support this desire by allowing individuals to create their “best version”. With smoother skin, brighter eyes or a perfect background, individuals aim to approximate an ‘ideal’ image defined by societal norms. Such adjustments can also be seen as a result of societal pressures on the individual. At the same time, the widespread use of such applications leads to a more superficial sense of self in a rapidly digitising world. People feel dissatisfied when they compare their real images with the filtered versions online, and they try to fill this dissatisfaction with artificially enhanced images. This leads to a lack of self-acceptance and a constant search for external validation. Thus, no matter how advanced AI technology becomes, its impact on human psychology is deeply intertwined with societal values and individual self-perception.

Israel’s investment in AI technologies can be seen as directly related to the country’s sociological structure and perception of security. Due to long-standing security threats and environmental risks, we have a culture that is quite inclined to adopt security and technology-based solutions. In this context, the use of AI systems in areas such as defence and border security can be seen as a response to the societal need to feel safe and to remain collectively strong. A significant part of society rightly sees and supports such technological investments as part of national unity and existential struggle.

Furthermore, the use of AI in civilian settings has led to individuals becoming more integrated with the conveniences that technology brings to their daily lives. This situation fosters a general acceptance of technology and a desire to benefit from these technologies within our community. Positive impacts, such as increased agricultural productivity or more efficient and accurate healthcare services, make individuals more open to these innovations. Sociologically speaking, Israel’s investments in AI technologies aim not only to reduce societal security concerns, but also to increase the tendency to use technology as a tool to overcome these concerns. This situation reflects how Israel’s positive attitude towards technology and innovation is intertwined with solidarity and the instinct for self-preservation.

In conclusion, the development of AI technologies reflects a complex process that is shaped not only by technological progress, but also by the sociological dynamics of societies. In the case of Israel, this situation, combined with our country’s security concerns, culture of openness to innovation and social structure focused on resilience, ensures the multifaceted adoption of AI technologies. On the one hand, these technologies are becoming critical tools for ensuring security and providing rapid solutions to threats; on the other hand, they are becoming an integral part of modern life for every segment of society. The powerful and diverse uses of AI demonstrate that the future depends not only on technical competence, but also on how societies manage and use these innovations. In this context, Israel’s efforts to use AI strategically offer significant benefits in both security and civilian life, and perhaps the most important message: Technology, if used properly, can reshape a society’s future, enhance its security and create a more inclusive life. Realising the potential of AI will therefore depend not only on technological development, but also on how societies embrace and transform it.