Will technology shape our future or will we | Deborah Nas | TEDxAlkmaar

Summary

The speaker explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and technology, reflecting on how tools shape us and vice versa. She recounts historical fears of technology and her own concerns as a mother and tech professional, particularly regarding her son's digital engagement. The talk delves into the psychological impact of new technologies, the importance of ethical foresight in AI and quantum computing, and calls for a diverse societal debate on the future of technology to ensure it benefits all.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Technology shapes our lives and is shaped by us, as Marshall McLuhan suggested, reflecting a reciprocal relationship between humans and their tools.
• 🌐 The evolution of technology, from radio and TV to mobile devices and the internet, has transformed our work and lifestyles, expanding our horizons and connectivity.
• 🚗 Technological advancements have both positive and negative impacts, such as transportation expanding our reach but also causing environmental pollution.
• 📱 The rise of digital technologies has led to concerns about the effects on children's development, including potential issues with eyesight, social skills, and exposure to violence.
• 👶 The speaker's personal experience with her son's digital affinity highlights the conflict between parental instincts to limit screen time and professional encouragement of digital talent.
• 📚 Historically, new technologies have often been met with fear and concern about their societal and cognitive impacts, from the printing press to the internet.
• 🎮 The debate over the value of traditional play versus digital games like Minecraft underscores how unfamiliar technologies can be perceived as less valuable despite their potential benefits.
• 🧐 People's attitudes towards technology are influenced by their frame of reference, often leading to a focus on potential losses rather than gains.
• 🤖 The rapid development of AI and other transformative technologies raises concerns about loss of agency, control, and the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making.
• 🔮 Looking ahead, there is a call to action for a broad societal debate on the future impacts of technologies like quantum computing, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives.
• 🌟 The speaker invites individuals to participate in shaping the future with technology, highlighting the importance of collective effort in envisioning and creating a better tomorrow.

Q & A

What is the core idea that Marshall McLuhan presented in the 1960s that the speaker finds relevant today?

Marshall McLuhan's core idea is that 'We shape our tools and then our tools shape us,' suggesting a reciprocal relationship between humans and technology.

How have mobile devices and the internet impacted our work habits according to the script?

Mobile devices and the internet have changed when, where, and how we work, indicating increased flexibility and connectivity in work environments.

What are some of the negative consequences of technology mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that technology can be destructive, causing air pollution through transportation, creating electronic waste, enabling big tech companies and sophisticated surveillance systems, and potentially leading to negative impacts from transformational technologies like AI and Quantum.

Why does the speaker describe herself as a 'technology optimist having an identity crisis'?

The speaker describes herself as having an identity crisis because, despite being a technology optimist, she started to question the impact of technology on her son and society, leading to a reevaluation of her stance.

What is the speaker's professional role that contrasts with her concerns as a mother?

Professionally, the speaker is a part-time professor at Delft University of Technology and works with companies to accelerate technological innovation, which contrasts with her concerns as a mother about her son's exposure to technology.

What historical examples does the speaker provide to illustrate the consistent pattern of fear towards technological innovation?

The speaker cites Greek philosophers' concerns about writing leading to forgetfulness, the upper class's fear of the printing press spreading rebellious thoughts, the worry about newspapers damaging social fabric, and the apprehension about the internet making knowledge superficial.

How does the speaker use the example of Lego and Minecraft to discuss the value judgment people make about new technologies?

The speaker uses Lego and Minecraft to illustrate how people tend to focus on what is lost when transitioning to new technologies, such as fine motor skills and 3D insights, without recognizing the new types of skills and insights gained in the digital world.

What thought experiment does Steven Johnson propose to challenge the way we perceive new technologies?

Steven Johnson proposes a thought experiment where books were invented after video games, suggesting that if books were new, people might perceive them as detrimental to the brain, creativity, leadership, and social interaction, highlighting the biases in how we judge new technologies.

What does the speaker fear regarding the rapid development of AI and its societal impact?

The speaker fears losing agency and control due to AI's influence on loan decisions, social media content, and the potential for AI-driven virtual friends to manipulate trust and advice based on hidden motives.

How does the speaker suggest we should approach the development and application of new technologies like quantum?

The speaker suggests that we need to start a broad societal debate, considering ethical, legal, and societal aspects before the technology leaves the lab and is widely applied, and that people from diverse backgrounds should be involved in envisioning and shaping the future.

What role does the speaker invite the audience to take in shaping the future with quantum technology?

The speaker invites the audience to join her in thinking about the future impact of quantum technology, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives to shape a future that is beneficial for all.