Who Wins – Technology or Humanity
Apart from mindfulness, technology distracts, dilutes, and destroys humanity. Mindfulness is noticing the present moment. Distraction is neglecting or ignoring the present. The negative consequences of technology include:
- Isolation.
- Anxiety.
- Aggression.
- Job displacement.
- Inequity between haves and have-nots.
Mindfulness and technology:
Digital mindfulness addressed the difficulty of constant connectivity. “Mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of technology.” Douglas Pflug
AI requires constant oversight. The Washington Post reports that a chatbot suggested a teen kill his parents.*
Retain human oversight of AI in areas requiring ethical discernment. Decisions where values collide require sensitivity, experience, and discernment. For example, choosing between profits and employee well-being requires human sagacity.
AI systems lack an inherent moral compass and rely on human guidance for ethical considerations.
Humanity and AI:
Humans must remain integrated in situations requiring sensitivity and emotional support.
AI advances healthcare. Who wants to go back to bloodletting?
“The challenge lies in maintaining a balance between AI-driven support and the human touch required in delicate healthcare situations.” Douglas Pflug
AI enhances some HR functions. It simplifies individualized training paths, for example. But struggling employees need humanity.
Connect distinct strengths:
Acknowledge the distinct strengths of AI and emotional intelligence (EQ). Pflug points out that AI excels in data analysis, pattern recognition, and process automation. EQ is essential for managing emotions, building relationships, navigating complex social relationships, and fostering empathy and compassion.
A key factor in human flourishing is engagement. Disengagement drains fulfillment. Promises that technology improves engagement are yet to be fulfilled. If anything, people work to get away from technology so they can more fully engage.
Eric Sevareid said in 1965, “The greatest intellectual discovery of this generation is that the real cause of problems is solutions.”
Douglas Pflug’s new book, “Ironwill 360° Leadership,” caused me to reflect on the ideas in this post.
How are you navigating the challenges and opportunities of technology?
PS – My dentist uses 3D printers to make crowns for teeth.
*Washington post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/10/character-ai-lawsuit-teen-kill-parents-texas/
Mindfulness and technology…. I have been in the process of disconnecting more and more from the digital world in order to reconnect with real people. I’ve eliminated social media in order to just be social, just to name one area… There is something to be said for the static of humanness in relationships. I am currently listening to a salvaged LP of Nat King Cole Christmas…something about the grainy, imperfectness of the sound that keeps me leaning over to reset the arm of the record player and ignoring the perfect audiophile tracks on the digital player.
Merry Christmas, P. It’s fascinating that we are learning to disconnect from something that was intended to help us connect. The path of rejecting technology reminds me of Huxley’s, “Brave New World.” I wish you well.
I view technology as one of many tools that help me achieve my goals. Other essential tools include meditation, writing, reflection, and seeking insights from colleagues and mentors. The challenge arises when technology becomes the primary—or sole—tool people rely on to accomplish their goals.
Timely article! Technology can never become more important than the people element. Relying on AI will take us (people) down a very slippery slope. Emotional Intelligence is still the most critical skill set for people. AI is just another tool and it is up to us (people) to use it correctly.
Thanks Dan – good reminder of the importance of people over tech.
Tech cannot outgrow humanity, as it is built upon humanity. AI is built upon our collective understanding – right or wrong. I recently researched results of a sports tournament over the years. An AI result returned the wrong answer.
The practical application is comments like “…this job will be replaced by AI” may be true, but a new opportunity will take its place. Because we need people, otherwise we wouldn’t need tech.