How do you deepen human connection in the age of artificial intelligence?
Years ago, John Naisbitt wrote the seminal book High Tech High Touch: Technology and Our Search for Meaning.
He argued that we were living through a “Technologically Intoxicated Zone” in which “we both fear and worship technology…where we become obsessed with what is ‘real’ and what is ‘fake.’”
Sound familiar?
That was 1999. His advice is more important now than ever.
As technology accelerates at an ever increasing pace, humans will search for deeper emotional connection with one another.
Like a rubber band stretched too far, stretching our tech muscles without returning to center—back to human—risks a snap in our face.
Even as we adopt new tools like AI, let’s remember: empathy and authenticity will only become more valuable, because they’ll be more rare.
So what does this look like?
- Write in your voice
Don’t outsource your authenticity to AI; use it to tap into your authenticity. Use my AI Authenticity Loop as a guide, and be on the lookout for my new book, AI for the Authentic Leader. - Celebrate human creativity
In your race to find ways AI can streamline processes, let yourself be amazed at the unexpectedness of human creativity. My prediction: the liberal arts majors on your team might have the most creative ideas, since a liberal arts degree requires one to study multiple topics as opposed to specialize in just one. - Bring people together in person
In an increasingly digital world, nothing replaces the energy of gathering in person. It creates a power called “collective effervescence.” Make time to bring people together and communicate your messages in person in order to create that sense of community and cohesion.
As you guide your organization or your country through this time of rapid change, look at technology as a set of tools you can use to create greater community and connection.
How are you handling your own communication through the lens of compassion and empathy, in a way that meets the emotional needs of your teams?