The Wellbeing Paradox in an AI World

Technological advancement doesn't have to come at the cost of our humanity.

Photo by Cash Macanaya on Unsplash

Dear (human) friends,

In our rush towards technological advancement, it's crucial we pause to consider what we might be leaving behind. Recently, I came across a thought-provoking Substack newsletter by Katherine May that resonated deeply with me. May's reflections on AI and its potential impact on our human experience have stirred up a whirlwind of thoughts about wellbeing in our increasingly digital world.

May paints a vivid picture of an AI named Albert, learning to navigate stairs through trial and error. The description of Albert's "pain" and "punishment" as it fails repeatedly is unsettling, to say the least. It's a stark reminder of how we're beginning to anthropomorphize AI, attributing human qualities to machines that fundamentally lack the depth and emotion of human experience.

I'll be honest - I've found myself both fascinated and frightened by AI's rapid advancement. Just last week, I caught myself using an AI writing assistant to draft a quick email response. The efficiency was undeniable, but as I hit send, a wave of unease washed over me. Had I just outsourced a piece of my own voice, my own thoughts?

This internal conflict intensified when I considered the potential impact of AI in the workplace. On one hand, the promise of AI handling mundane, repetitive tasks is enticing. Imagine a world where AI takes care of data entry, scheduling, and basic report generation, freeing up humans to focus on more meaningful, creative, and strategic work. This shift could significantly impact our wellbeing, allowing us to engage in work that feels more purposeful and fulfilling.

However, the flip side of this coin is equally compelling. Will organizations use AI as a tool for human empowerment, or will it become a justification for further layoffs, leaving remaining employees with even heavier workloads? The narrative I've often encountered is one of fear - "AI is coming for your job." But what if we reframe this? What if AI could make our jobs more human, more sustainable?

In a world where burnout and overwork are rampant, could AI be the key to creating more balanced, sustainable work environments? The potential is certainly there, but it requires intentional implementation and a real and strategic commitment to human wellbeing that goes beyond the bottom line.

As May eloquently describes - we have to care about humans, we don't have to care about AI. This sentiment hits deeply with me, and it also raises a red flag. If we start viewing AI as a tool devoid of ethical considerations, we risk creating a dangerous precedent. Human Sustainability is about creating value for all people as humans, not just some. We need to approach AI development and implementation with this principle at the forefront.

In the realm of wellbeing and mental health, I've been grappling with similar questions. Recently, I researched AI-powered therapy apps. The promise of 24/7 availability and personalized support was tempting, especially given how challenging it can be to find and schedule time with a human therapist. But as I demo'd one of these apps, I couldn't shake the feeling that something vital was missing. The responses, while logical and even empathetic in a programmed way, lacked the warmth and intuitive understanding that I've experienced with human therapists. 

My fears aren't just professional; they're deeply personal. As I watch my mother's memories fade due to Alzheimer's, I wonder about the role AI might play in elder care. Could an AI companion provide comfort and stimulation when family members can't be present? It's a comforting thought, and could certainly make caregiving much more scalable and accessible. But it also breaks my heart to imagine my mom's tender human connections being replaced by algorithms, no matter how sophisticated (or how desperately needed).

In a world already grappling with a pandemic of loneliness and disconnection, the risk of further isolating ourselves through AI interactions is real and concerning. We're social creatures, wired for human connection. The warmth of a friend's embrace, the nuanced understanding in a therapist's eyes, the shared laughter over a meal - these are experiences that nourish our souls in ways that no algorithm, however advanced, can replicate.

As we navigate this new terrain, I believe it's crucial that we:

1.     Prioritize human connection: Make conscious efforts to engage in face-to-face interactions, even (especially) when it feels easier to rely on digital alternatives.

2.     Practice mindful tech use: Be aware of how and when we're using AI and other technologies. Are they enhancing our lives or replacing human interactions?

3.     Advocate for ethical AI development: Support initiatives that prioritize human wellbeing in the development and implementation of AI technologies, especially in workplace settings.

4.     Reframe the AI narrative: Instead of fearing job loss, let's explore how AI can make our work more meaningful and sustainable.

5.     Champion human sustainability: Ensure that AI implementation in workplaces is done with the goal of enhancing human wellbeing, not just increasing productivity at any cost.

While I believe in the potential of AI to solve complex problems and improve certain aspects of our lives, I'm also acutely aware of the risk it poses to our collective wellbeing if not carefully managed. As we move forward, let's ensure that our pursuit of technological advancement doesn't come at the cost of our humanity.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you see AI impacting our wellbeing at work and in our personal lives? What steps are you taking to maintain human connection in an increasingly digital world?

Stay well and stay human,

Jen

P.S. If you're interested in exploring this topic further, I highly recommend reading Katherine May's full Substack post. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking piece that challenges us to consider the full implications of our AI-driven future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

📚 What I'm reading: "Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness" by Dr. Jamil Zaki. This newly published book couldn't be more timely. As we grapple with AI advancements and their implications, Zaki offers practical strategies for cultivating hope, even for the most cynical among us. He explores how to balance awareness of global challenges with the courage to believe in positive change. It's a powerful reminder that our capacity for hope is a uniquely human trait, one that becomes even more crucial as we navigate our AI-driven future.

🎥 What I'm watching: Take 10 minutes to watch this TEDx talk by my incredible friend Beena Ammanath - The value of human creativity in the AI era! Beena paints a refreshing picture where AI is our ally, not our replacement. She envisions a world where AI frees us from time poverty at work, creating space for lives filled with meaning, purpose, and creativity. It's an inspiring take on reshaping our AI narrative, embracing a future where technology amplifies our humanity and wellbeing rather than diminishing it.

🎧 What I'm listening to: The Lex Fridman podcast. Lex, an AI researcher at MIT, hosts fascinating conversations about science, technology, history, philosophy, and the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love, and power. It's a deep dive into the intersection of AI and humanity, perfect for those wanting to understand the broader implications of our AI-driven future.

🎨 What I'm doing: I've rediscovered the joy of adult coloring books, especially ones with butterflies. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, this analog activity helps me tap into my truly human qualities like creativity and meditative thought. It's a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with my innate human abilities.