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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Technology is making us less human

32 replies

Arseulaundress · 03/01/2024 11:26

I think we are becoming more and more like machines. The poor manners often described on here are a product of an increasing enmeshment with technology that is helping to isolate people, and is breaking down the connections that keep societies civil. People interact less and less, and they see and/or contribute to the nastiness online that comes from not being face to face. That sort of discourse is becoming normalised.

AI is going to make humanity obsolete - and far quicker than you think. We are sleepwalking into this, as with so much else.

Are any of you, like me, thinking about how to detach from technology? What are you thinking of doing? What might help us love our humanity more, instead of seeing it as a bug that needs fixing? What is behind this race to deny our humanity?

AIBU?

OP posts:
heyitsthistle · 23/01/2024 00:04

I am a software engineer working in financial systems, but I hate tech. I despise AI. I don't want apps. I have social media but look down on people who filter the shit out of their faces. I don't want a smart home. I have removed the smart thermostats from our radiators and bought a "dumb" TV. I leave my phone at home when I can (i.e. when I can find my wallet). When I go on holiday I like to where there is no phone signal nor wifi.

I have even been toying with the idea of getting a house phone!

EmmaEmerald · 23/01/2024 00:18

@heyitsthistle Interesting
My main reason for disliking tech is it had made working life so much harder

A close second is what I perceive as a loss of social skills affecting general human interaction

I basically wound up using MN a lot because no one seems to be around IRL and I gather it's pretty common for people to consider online only contact as "friendship".

A close third is that it has made the ordinary stuff of life harder, in many cases.

JaneJeffer · 23/01/2024 01:14

OP reads as very AI

DeltaCity01 · 23/01/2024 01:47

i think part of the issue is computers / web has a lot more information than your average person

DanielJackson · 23/01/2024 01:50

@Arseulaundress
The concerns you've raised about the increasing integration of technology into our lives and its potential impact on our humanity are indeed thought-provoking. It's a complex and multifaceted issue that involves social, cultural, psychological, and technological aspects. I'll delve into various dimensions of this topic to provide a comprehensive perspective.

Technology and Social Isolation:

The rise of technology, particularly social media, has transformed the way we communicate and interact. While it has connected people across the globe, it has also been associated with increased feelings of isolation. Individuals may find themselves immersed in virtual interactions while physical, face-to-face connections wane. The impersonal nature of online communication can sometimes lead to the degradation of manners and civility.

  1. Dehumanization and Online Discourse:
The anonymity provided by online platforms can contribute to the normalization of negative behavior. The lack of face-to-face contact may diminish the sense of accountability, leading to a more hostile online environment. This dehumanization can have real-world consequences as people detach from the empathy and understanding that typically accompany in-person interactions.
  1. AI and the Fear of Obsolescence:
The fear of AI rendering humanity obsolete is a valid concern that has been discussed in various intellectual circles. As technology advances, there is the potential for machines to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans, raising questions about the future of employment, purpose, and societal structures.
  1. Detaching from Technology:
Detaching from technology in a hyper-connected world poses its own challenges. However, some individuals are seeking a balance to regain a sense of humanity. Strategies may include:

Digital Detox: Scheduled periods of time without digital devices to promote real-world interactions.
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques such as meditation to foster self-awareness and presence in the moment.
Nature Engagement: Spending time in nature to reconnect with the physical world and appreciate its beauty.
Cultivating Real Relationships: Prioritizing face-to-face interactions with friends and family to strengthen personal connections.

  1. Embracing Our Humanity:
Rather than viewing our humanity as a flaw, it's essential to celebrate the unique qualities that make us human. Empathy, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the capacity for deep, meaningful relationships are aspects that distinguish us. Fostering these qualities can contribute to a more balanced relationship with technology.
  1. The Race to Deny Humanity:
The "race to deny our humanity" may be driven by various factors, including economic pressures, technological innovation, and societal trends. As industries strive for efficiency and productivity, the human element can sometimes be overlooked. However, recognizing and valuing our humanity is crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable future.

finding a harmonious balance between technology and our humanity is a pressing challenge of our time. It requires a collective effort to shape the evolution of technology in a way that enhances rather than diminishes our human experience. As individuals, adopting mindful approaches to technology use and nurturing our innate human qualities can contribute to a more positive future.

Arseulaundress · 30/01/2024 19:11

Thanks for the replies on here. I'm definitely not AI, and the reason I have not been back is because I have been avoiding social media recently!

These suggestions are very sound (thanks @DanielJackson )

Digital Detox: Scheduled periods of time without digital devices to promote real-world interactions.
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques such as meditation to foster self-awareness and presence in the moment.
Nature Engagement: Spending time in nature to reconnect with the physical world and appreciate its beauty.
Cultivating Real Relationships: Prioritizing face-to-face interactions with friends and family to strengthen personal connections.

OP posts:
cubvhs1 · 25/03/2024 07:33

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