Change Your Device to Change Your Life: Conscious Computing

Summary

In this video series, Ryder explores the concept of 'conscious computing' by reviewing four tech gadgets through the lens of their impact on our lives. He introduces a scale to evaluate technology based on its ability to enhance our intentions and meaningful outputs. The scale includes five criteria: input, throughput, stay put, compute, and output. Ryder discusses the importance of aligning technology with our goals and intentions, aiming for a 'Goldilocks Zone' where tech superpowers our abilities without detracting from our growth and meaning.

Takeaways

• 📱 The video discusses the evolution of technology from being tools that enhance human capabilities to ones that are solely focused on being faster and more automated.
• 🌱 The concept of 'conscious computing' is introduced, which is about using technology in a way that aligns with one's intentions and values, rather than being passively shaped by it.
• 🔍 The speaker, Ryder, critiques the current state of technology, suggesting it often distracts and detracts from meaningful human experiences and growth.
• ⚖️ A 'conscious computing scale' is proposed to evaluate technology based on five criteria: input, throughput, stay put, compute, and output, each on a scale from 0 to 10.
• 📚 The scale encourages users to find a 'Goldilocks Zone' where technology enhances rather than replaces human effort and intention.
• 🤔 Ryder emphasizes the importance of intention in choosing technology, suggesting that the technology should serve to create outputs that are meaningful to the individual.
• 🧠 The video touches on the idea that too much automation can lead to a loss of cognitive skills and the value of overcoming challenges to foster personal growth.
• 📊 The concept of 'outputs' is redefined to prioritize integrity and personal involvement over quantity, suggesting that the process of creating is more valuable than the output itself.
• 🔑 Ryder suggests that technology should be chosen and used with intention, focusing on how it can help achieve personal goals and improve life quality.
• 🔄 The video promises to review four devices—paper notebook, Book Palma, reMarkable 2, and Daylight computer—through the lens of conscious computing in upcoming episodes.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Ryder's tech review series?

The main theme of Ryder's tech review series is to explore how technology can be used to enhance our lives, focusing on the relationship between humans and technology, and the concept of 'conscious computing'.

What does Ryder believe has changed in our relationship with technology?

Ryder believes that technology has shifted from being tools that help us to becoming products that are focused on being super, faster, more powerful, and more automated, often leaving the human aspect behind.

What is the concept of 'conscious computing' as described by Ryder?

'Conscious computing' is the idea of using technology intentionally to align with our individual needs and intentions, finding a balance between our potential and the potential of technology to cultivate what truly matters to us.

How does Ryder plan to rate the tech gadgets in his reviews?

Ryder plans to rate the tech gadgets on a scale that encourages consideration of both the content of the device, such as its features, and the context of the device within our lives, focusing on how it can help create the life we want.

What is the 'goldilock Zone' Ryder refers to in the context of technology use?

The 'goldilock Zone' is a metaphor for the optimal balance where technology is used to superpower our ability to cultivate what truly matters, without being too little or too much, aligning with our intentions and needs.

What is the significance of Steve Jobs' quote about computers being 'bicycles for the mind' in Ryder's discussion?

Steve Jobs' quote is used to illustrate the idea that technology should amplify our natural abilities, but Ryder points out that technology has advanced to a point where it may be moving too fast for our minds to keep up, leading to potential negative consequences.

What are the five criteria Ryder uses to evaluate technology on the 'conscious computing' scale?

The five criteria are: 1) Input - the amount of information getting into your mind, 2) Throughput - how to use the information received, 3) Stay Put - the balance between connectivity and focus, 4) Compute - the degree of thinking or work done for you by the technology, and 5) Output - the results and their alignment with your intentions.

Why does Ryder believe that the concept of 'outputs' needs reevaluation in the context of technology?

Ryder believes that the concept of 'outputs' needs reevaluation because the traditional measure of productivity based on quantity is being challenged by technologies like AI, which can produce vast amounts quickly. He suggests that the focus should shift towards the integrity and meaningfulness of the output.

What is Ryder's stance on the role of technology in education and learning?

Ryder is cautious about the overreliance on technology for learning and education, arguing that the process of creating and thinking is more valuable than the output. He suggests that we should be wary of technologies that might diminish our ability to think and learn by doing.

How does Ryder propose to use the 'conscious computing' scale to choose the right tech tools?

Ryder proposes to use the 'conscious computing' scale to evaluate tech tools based on how well they help us align with our intentions, considering the balance of technology in our inputs, throughputs, connectivity, computing, and outputs to ensure they contribute to a meaningful life.