The notion that technology and humanity are at odds is a commonly held one. While machines may be complex and well-engineered, they cannot replicate the vitality and spirit innate in living organisms. Nevertheless, public concern over technological progress is intensifying.
The increasing apprehension surrounding the possibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) reaching the level of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a cause for concern. Such advancement could lead to the replacement of human workers and other significant impacts on daily life. These anxieties are often portrayed in science fiction novels and films, and they can be profoundly unsettling for many individuals.
In reality, humans and technology often work together in harmony. While technology may not possess its own emotional or cognitive capabilities, it can be used as a tool to enhance these abilities in humans.
Compassion in the Workplace
It is a widely accepted fact that technology is critical for the continued prosperity of many enterprises. Nevertheless, as we employ technology in our work, do we always consider the requisite degree of sensitivity and thoughtfulness required?
Medical treatment has significantly progressed with the aid of technology, with a specific focus on delivering the best possible care and comfort to patients. One prime example of this is the Mayo Clinic, which uses ambient intelligence systems to assist doctors in sorting through vast quantities of data, resulting in the provision of top-notch healthcare services to patients. It also allows more time for one-on-one interactions between doctors and nurses.
Healthcare has recently made significant strides in utilising technology to connect people, including remote patient records and telemedicine. Such innovations aim to establish a more humane approach to healthcare.
Technologies for Humanity
Blockchain
Although Bitcoin is commonly linked with blockchain technology, it is clear upon closer examination that the fundamental concept that drives digital currencies originates from human connections. Therefore, blockchain technology can be seen as having an association with humanity.
Traditional financial transactions can be hindered by intermediaries, delays, and fees. In contrast, blockchain technology allows for speedy transaction processing for businesses and consumers alike. Time efficiency is just one of the numerous advantages it offers.
Blockchain technology supplies a decentralised system of ownership that enables multiple levels of control. This makes it a reliable and secure platform since the stored information is unalterable. Additionally, the ledger is transparent and available to all, resulting in more efficient monetary transactions between individuals. Consequently, blockchain technology provides an enhanced degree of security and efficiency for digital financial transactions.
Assisting You with Your Voice
Voice assistants, such as Alexa and Siri, are more intelligent than our smartest friends. Although they cannot bestow us with superhuman abilities, they can enhance our efficiency and effectiveness. This means that we can obtain answers to our queries with ease and gain invaluable knowledge from them. Ultimately, they support us in our everyday tasks and can also serve as an educational aid for personal growth and development.
The possibility of a robotic revolt is frequently cited as a justification for concern. The fear is that robots could achieve intelligence that equals or exceeds that of humans. Nevertheless, if we examine the matter more closely, we can discern how robots can contribute to and enrich our humanity.
Creating an Effective User Interface
UX design is a rapidly growing area of study that concentrates on enhancing the user experience. Unlike a separate technology, UX design encompasses an array of techniques and principles that aid in more effective human-machine interaction. It centres on achieving a balance between technology’s usability and functionality.
UX design is ubiquitous in everyday scenarios, such as a call-to-action button that is conveniently placed, an aesthetically pleasing animation, or a highlighted box that appears when the user hovers their cursor over it. It is crucial to keep in mind that when designing for users, they are not machines.
Online Engagement with Others
By the mid-2000s, social media platforms such as Facebook gained popularity as a means of communication. However, in recent times, Facebook has faced criticism pertaining to its potential to divert users’ attention from the offline world and the widespread prevalence of bots promoting political propaganda.
It can be contended that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn offer us a mode of communication with others. This can result in reconnecting with former acquaintances, meeting potential partners and even leading to job opportunities, all of which could play a significant role in shaping our personal experiences.
Opportunities
The prospects of technological advancements at the intersection of humanity and technology are enormous and do not necessarily lead to a robotic doomsday. A recent report from the Pew Research Center identified the potential hazards confronting the future of humanity. Experts have shared their perspectives on the issue.
Juan Ortiz Freuler, a Policy Fellow at the Berkman Klein Center, suggests that technologists need to prioritize diversity and inclusivity. He contends that technology should have been utilized for fostering social connections among people by enabling them to communicate and exchange their experiences, yet instead, it has resulted in significant disparities in connectivity among people, both within a nation and across borders.
Professor Paul Jones, from the University of North Carolina, recognizes the significance of trust in connection to the Internet. He posits that despite the Internet’s open and adaptable design, it heavily relies on trust systems, exposing it to problems such as phishing, misinformation, personalization, and tribalism. In order to address these challenges, he proposes the implementation of blockchain technology would be advantageous.
There is no denying that the internet has played a pivotal role in connecting people worldwide. It is believed to have facilitated more interactions than any other technology in human history, yet it still harbours the potential to help us grow as individuals. There is still a lot of work to be done to fully harness its capabilities.
