The data-crunching power of artificial intelligence is transforming our world – and mainly for the better. But as more and more of our daily routine centres around our mobile devices, we must keep in mind that AI working tirelessly to make our digital connections more addictive than ever.
Think about this. What’s the first thing most people do when they wake up (and throughout the day)? We check our phones to read the news, emails , texts, Facebook and other social media sites. We are constantly adding more connections to online networks of virtual ‘friends’ whom we will likely never actually meet.
Our constant need to stay connected online doesn’t stop there. At work, people text and email their coworkers instead of walking down the hall or across the room to speak them in person. Before meetings start, notice how many people are staring heads-down at their smartphones instead of exchanging intelligence, opinions, or even gossip with their teammates. And in your downtime, when you're shopping, socializing, walking or jogging, do you look up and experience the symphony of sounds, colours and textures in your physical surroundings – or do you stay immersed in your smartphone bubble?
What’s the risk?
The growing preference for virtual connections over real ones is dangerous. Unless we balance this increasingly bodiless world of immediate gratification with real interaction and physical activities, psychologists, social scientists and neuroscientists warn we risk harming our relationships with our families, friends, colleagues and communities.
Dr. David Greenfield is a psychiatry professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and founder of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. In a recent issue of ‘Psychology Today’, Greenfield explained how smartphones keep their users on automatic pilot, inhibiting them from making healthy choices. “We are responding to life on an automated and unconscious neurobiological basis. We socially isolate, are intolerant of boredom, and are always connected somewhere other than where we actually are at the moment.”
This imbalance is exacerbated by Ai, which is used in music-streaming services, security systems, fraud protection, navigation systems (such as Google Maps), ‘smart’ homes, video games, social media channels such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter), e-commerce, news sites, and many applications that entice and enhance user engagement, experience and retention.
Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari says this growing dependency on digital devices and virtual connections has resulted in more and more people living lonely, isolated lives on our ever more connected planet.
So how can people find balance in a world with increasing dependency on digital communications and artificial connections?
The first step, as with any addiction, is to be aware of one’s dependency and its impacts. Choose to take back control by saying “no” to unnecessary virtual consumption. Develop both online and offline skills for balancing your texts and Facebook fixes with walks in the park and coffee with friends.
Instead of constantly plugging our minds into a virtual world of online channels, talk to people when you’re together – whether you’re in a meeting room, shopping, dining or standing in line. Ban phones and iPads at the dinner table. Socialize mindfully with your family and friends, without checking emails or texting. Open yourself to random encounters, new friends and unexpected opportunities.
In other words, as simple as this sounds – unplug, and get physical! Smart devices and online experiences are important parts of life. But it’s more important to stay connected with real people and our physical world.
Author: Yasmin Glanville
Transformative Innovation, Future Readiness and Communications Leader for Forward thinking leaders and organizations
yasmin@re-ignite.ca