Preserving the ‘Human’ in Human-Computer Interaction
In April this year, Yuval Harari, a historian, writer, and contemporary philosopher gave out a speech on his predictions for the future of humanity. Having three solid backbones as research (Sapiens, Homo Deus, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century), he stood out in front of the audience of Frontiers Forum to share a slightly disturbing vision of how artificial intelligence may impact businesses, governmental organizations, and even cultural development.
Harari envisions a future where artificial intelligence transforms our job market, with massive shifts and the need for retraining. He sounds the alarm about the widening economic gap, where selected few control AI and actually benefit from it. The world of tomorrow will be one where AI and biotech merge, redefining humanity.
That is not to say that artificial intelligence is bad - it’s simply limited in its ability to actually promote human values. We can’t rely on algorithms to know anything of human-centric approaches. As representatives of modern society, it’s our duty to teach the technology we have built ourselves to do good, and it will serve us good.
Being a follower of Yuval Harari’s work for quite some time now, I decided to draw out suggestions for us, normal people, on how to better preserve ourselves in a world where technology gains power, and avoid the Doomsday scenario we all fear.
Let’s dive in.
Tip #1: Invest efforts in developing your emotional intelligence and maintaining mental stability
As we prepare ourselves for an uncertain future, Harari says there are two crucial skills we must impart to the next generation: emotional intelligence and mental stability. Humans have to live a life that allows them to ‘maintain mental balance and develop emotional intelligence’.
Existing in a harmonious state on the inside, as well on the outside, will allow people to build resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing world of technology. And it will help us raise our children equipped with the tools to navigate a world that constantly demands adaptation and resilience. These tools are crucial because people will have to “reinvent themselves” more and more throughout their lives.
Emotional intelligence, encompassing self-awareness, empathy, and the art of building relationships, are what helped societies continue moving ahead when things are tough. But how do we consciously and consistently keep a healthy mentality?
It comes from within — understand your feelings, embrace them, and channel them into growth. Take moments to pause, breathe, and be present in the chaotic dance of life. Remember, our minds are shaped by the words we use, so choose them wisely. Positive self-talk can be your secret weapon.
Nurturing your relationships will also help you to stay sane — we’re not solitary creatures; our connections with others is what ultimately drives us forward.
Tip #2: Stay curious, keep on learning and embrace change
“Change is the only constant” seems more relevant than ever.
Imagine how vulnerable our reality is — we live in a world where giving access to an open-source language-based chatbot can turn the world around in less than a month. Another point I’d like to emphasise on (mainly because it was a great part my academic life) is related to building a stable identity.
Building mental stability and endurance, as well as teaching оur children how to be empathetic and compassionate, will ultimately result in building a more coherent, satisfying and consistent self. A self that would be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, and ready to adapt to new technology. Or as Harari puts it, an AI-proof identity.
As the nature of work will constantly change, we have to continue learning throughout our whole lives to stay relevant.
The idea of an ever-changing human identity is not new. Philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers in general have long discussed that building an identity is crucial to having a satisfactory life, and it’s our job to do it right:
- Stoic philosophers, like Epictetus, viewed identity as being created through self-discipline and harmony with the natural order.
- Erik Erikson, one of the most influential developmental psychologists, describes identity as a unique integration of individual development and societal dynamics.
- Owen Flanagan, a contemporary philosopher known for his work in the fields of philosophy of mind, ethics and psychology of self-creation, emphasises the performative nature of identity — we need to create, speak, act and socialise in order to reach who we truly are.
Whatever definition you choose for yourself, the message is clear — investing time in understanding who we truly are and using this power to constantly reinvent ourselves seems to be instrumental to our successful cohabitation with machines.
Practice arts, do sports, read quality journalism and literature, sign up for a technology course if you feel you’re falling behind. Just don’t settle for what you already know.
Tip #3: Don’t trust everything you see online. Question the language you’re being exposed to
Digital content always comes with some form of language, and language is the key to our brains. Understanding how and why language is used is salient to developing an instinct towards what you can and cannot trust online
The precise words we use, the phrasing we choose, and the associations we provoke when we speak completely navigate the way other people understand us.
There’s a big difference between saying: “This movie was shit”, and “I personally didn’t enjoy the movie”, right? In both cases the message is clear — you don’t like the movie. The emotion conveyed, however, varies.
Language is also the form that shapes our thoughts. We think in words. And thinking in words has developed our cognitive function throughout time. Imagine roaming around your head without words. Our thoughts would be a complete chaos!
All of that is to say that the power to sway human behavior already lies within the grasp of these tech companies. The algorithms of Facebook and Instagram have reshaped our communication patterns and the way we form relationships. Tech giants have already changed social dynamics and the essence of human connection, and they’ve been doing it for decades now.
Now consider the potential impact of implementing generative AI software into the social media algorithms where hundreds of AI-driven chatbots employ carefully selected language to elicit precise emotions, states, actions… What could go wrong?
AI is mastering language at a level far beyond human ability, and with language, it’s mastering the key to human manipulation. The way towards staying ahead and not being fooled is to first be aware this phenomenon exists, so that we always remember to question the content we’re being given online.
Although the capabilities of these technologies sound scary, generative intelligence itself is not the problem; it’s the approach that big tech companies tend to take.
Rather than aiming towards the creation of an ethical, transparent product that would benefit society, businesses are driven by the market opportunity of the emerging technology. In other words, there’s a tendency amongst tech companies to favour decisions that drive revenue, power and scalability, and not social and communal prosperity.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m generally super excited about the things that are happening, and technological innovation surely has the power to make our lives better if we allow it. That’s why people with morals, creativity and intellectual power should lead the AI revolution, not else.
I’ll end this piece with something from the ex-Chief Business Officer of Google — Mo Gawdat. I’ve been spending quite some time on Lex Fridman’s channel lately, and this quote is from his appearance on there:
“The problems of our planet are not caused by intelligence. Rather, they’re caused by our limited intelligence.”
Let’s strive to be curious, continue learning new skills, and stay emotionally and intellectually healthy, and trust the algorithm it will be okay.
