Like you, I sometimes wonder how A.I., and other technologies generally will impact our world, work, relationships, and lives in 25 or 50 years from now. What will the future be like?
I don’t have a crystal ball. I’m no technology futurist like Ray Kurzweil.
But I do wonder if a big, important part of our future is deeply rooted in our past.
As technology enables (drives?) humans to become more physically disconnected from each other, our work, and the natural world, it does strike me that authentic and physical human socialization will become increasingly valued. A treat or premium experience. In other words, more rare, memorable, and special.
In 25 or 50 years, will technology allow us to communicate with, involve, and raise money from donors in ways we aren’t thinking about today? I think the answer to that question is most certainly yes.
But, for me, that isn’t the most interesting question to explore.
Instead, the far more interesting aspect of the impact of technology will be watching how humans begin to reward those authentically human touches, invitations, emotions, outreaches, and expressions of gratitude that may be viewed as both “old-fashioned,” but also as highly-treasured.
As technology becomes more ubiquitous and intrusive in our lives, how will authentic human interactions be valued?
I think of the technological change the automobile brought. In 1900, prior to the adoption of the automobile, there was approximately 1 horse for every 3.5 U.S. citizens. Not everyone owned a horse then, but owning a horse was far more financially accessible for the masses. A decent, steady horse would fetch between $100 – $300 in 1900 and the average wage was $20-$40 per week for a skilled laborer.
Today, of course, the demand for horses is nowhere near where it was in 1900 but the value of horses has grown far beyond the average American’s financial capacity to own one. Horses are a luxury. Horses are prized possessions.
Perhaps the real transformation to watch will not be the technology side of the equation.
Instead, perhaps we should be watching how technology’s impacts will simultaneously increase the value of what has always been the most foundational, genuine, trusted, and valued parts of our shared humanity.
I think it is very likely that being “really human,” will be a prized differentiator in a future world of commodified, technology-enhanced human interactions.
Further, it will be those wise and courageous people who accent their special and uniquely human characteristics in work, with other people, and in service to our communities and our world who will experience extraordinary success.
Yes, technology will change our lives in ways we can’t imagine. But, maybe its not that hard to predict what humans will view as increasingly valuable in the future.
And, maybe “becoming more human,” is something we should start emphasizing right now.