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/
