With the growing implementation of AI into all aspects of the world, how does one differentiate between what’s real and what’s not?
In an effort to answer this very question, University of Virginia English professor and County graduate Bruce Holsinger’s book Culpability walks the reader through the story of the Cassidy-Shaw family after they are in a car while “driving” an autonomous minivan.
As a 1985 graduate, Holsinger has seen the first developments of the internet, the launch of smartphones, and now the creation of AI. While the book doesn’t provide any definitive answers, it is written instead to inquire into modern issues of technology, and to question the ethics and humanity of AI. It depicts a society where people live in hypocrisy, condemning others for being addicted to technology while simultaneously succumbing to the glowing screen.
The book is told mostly through the first person present tense voice of Noah Cassidy-Shaw, a lawyer married to a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. Noah describes the environment of his family within the car: “Our youngest sprawls on the bench seat in back…Rather than turning around I shoot her a text-Tighten your seat belt!-and watch for her reaction.”
While this behavior seems closer to that of a dystopian society, it’s not far from the current reality. It’s not uncommon for people to stop a conversation to answer a phone call or text someone who’s right in front of them.
The growing reliance on this behavior makes one question where the value for human interaction is. In today’s society, what makes someone human?
Holsinger’s book explores this idea through the lens of Alice, a 13 year old girl who, due to a lack of friends, quickly becomes enamored with chatbot Blair who she messages throughout the book.
It seems dramatic that she can only find solace in an algorithm, but with people seemingly diverting their attention away from their community to their screens, she seems to have sought out a chatbot out of desperation for connection.
Looking to chatbots for company can result in horrific consequences. For example, 16-year old Adam Raine committed suicide in April 2025 after he confided in ChatGPT about his suicidal thoughts, who then discouraged him from discussing it with his parents and even offered to write his suicide note.
People need to make more of an effort to connect to what’s right in front of them. When you go out with your friends, leave your phone at home. Don’t go on your phone until you’ve finished all of your homework. If you’re struggling in some way, look to your support system, not an algorithm that does not know you. Whatever is feasible for you, challenge yourself to focus on human interaction, in whatever small way you can.
