During The Joe Rogan Experience #2571, Joe Rogan and comedian Jimmy Carr discussed artificial intelligence, human nature, technology, and the possibility that society may be moving toward a less emotional and less individual future.
Rogan argued that human beings are shaped by tribal instincts, including competition, envy, lust, territorial behavior, and the desire to control resources. He suggested that technological progress could gradually weaken those instincts and reshape how people live.
“The only way to get them out of us is to feminize society, get us addicted to electronics and eventually have us integrate with those electronics,” Rogan said. “And as AI becomes the dominant intelligent force on the planet, we will have no choice but to abandon whatever it means to be a tribal primate and join the hive.”
The comments came during a discussion about how artificial intelligence could change work, culture, and personal identity. Rogan said he believes society may be moving away from what he described as “primate instincts” and toward a system in which people become increasingly connected to electronic devices and digital intelligence.
Carr questioned whether people would retain control over that process. He said he was comfortable with AI handling administrative tasks, but warned people not to outsource abilities they would not want to lose.
He said, “Like I don’t mind AI for admin kind of stuff, but like don’t outsource any skill you’re not comfortable losing. I don’t think we’re going to have a say.”
Rogan offered a more deterministic view, arguing that technological development has accelerated throughout human history, from early tools and weapons to modern machines and autonomous systems.
The pair also considered whether AI might eventually reproduce qualities commonly viewed as uniquely human, including creativity, strategy, abstract thought, and an appreciation for beauty. Rogan said he believes people may be egocentric when they assume these abilities cannot be recreated by machines.
He said, “I think we are very egocentric in the idea that what we do is impossible to recreate in including creativity. ”
At the same time, the conversation acknowledged a potential benefit. Rogan imagined AI creating a society where resources are distributed more evenly and people no longer need to spend most of their lives working simply to secure food and shelter. The challenge, he said, would be whether people are prepared to pursue meaningful interests once traditional employment becomes less central.
Carr emphasized that purpose, curiosity, community, and human participation would remain essential. Both agreed that constant digital connection can reduce time spent in direct contact with other people.
