(Un)sustainable structural coupling – a testimony for snail intelligence

The current artificial intelligence paradigm, where exponential scaling of data and computation leads to an increase in functionality and application, requires exponential demand in energy usage, data storage and raw materials for computing components. We compare this dynamic of resource dependence and depletion of AI systems to population dynamics of a snail, the symbol of the degrowth movement. Juxtaposing both phenomena as autopoietic systems within a structural coupling with their environment we identify the difference between sustainable and unsustainable coupling, meaning the ability to sustain itself over time. Due to an absence of negative feedback loops for AI systems, with resources ultimately limited, we identify the state of current AI systems and resources as unsustainably coupled. As AI systems are currently in a process of homogenization in form and function, we call for exploring alternative ways of being for AI systems, for example inspired by the sustainable dynamics of snails within their ecosystem.