The Human Skills We Need in an Unpredictable World
“Earlier traditions usually formulated their theories in terms of stories. Modern science uses mathematics.” This is a very famous saying by the bestselling author Yuval Noah Harari. He emphasizes the fact that the human race is progressing very rapidly. From personal jobs to new technologies, we are witnessing a huge surge towards a social change.
However, we must consider the fact that reliance on technology is reducing our skills. Although an AI algorithm gets our work done, it makes us lazy. In addition, this makes us rethink about the human skills we need in an unpredictable world. Is depending on ‘efficient’ machines really worth it? Let us find out more about this.
Why is the World ‘Unpredictable?
Growth of technology and unpredictability go hand in hand. One can not predict the nature of technologies, gadgets and gizmos 5 years down the lane. In the last decade, it was beyond imagination that an AI algorithm can automate customer support. Furthermore, developments in the silicon valley have been influencing technology to a dramatic extent.
In addition, a future innovation or a social change won’t rely on efficiency. This is primarily because of the unsure nature of humans. Efficiency is dependent on optimizing the ‘time’. Furthermore, technology can’t predict the unforeseen circumstances. Hence, an average future innovation won’t emphasize on efficiency.
We can only expect certain developments, but can’t ‘predict’ them. Margaret Heffernan says that even the experts are hesitant to make prophecies beyond 400 days. A tiny tweak in a gadget can change the face of technology. Upon observing the recent developments, it is hard to deny this ‘butterfly effect’.
Importance of Unpredictability and Skill Development
This uncertainty in technology is a blessing in disguise. It allows the room for developing the human skills we need in an unpredictable world. For instance, if we rely on an AI algorithm for tackling a future pandemic, it might create a ruckus. Technology might mislead us towards a doomsday. This is because machines lack emotional quotients. Despite the robustness, they fail to distinguish between moral decisions. Hence, we should work on basic technical skills and morality.
If we start developing core skills and reduce this dependency, we’ll progress towards a better future. Let us proceed with the example of a pandemic. Researchers can develop a plethora of vaccines to tackle a disease.
This allows us to choose from a variety of options and adjust with the uncertainty. On the other hand, technology might present us with just one effective vaccine. However, if the situation changes even a little, we might need to reinvest time and resources. In future, we might come up with similar scenarios in many industries. This indicates that we must also polish perseverance and robustness, which makes us better than machines.
Our Point of View
Technology is surely the greatest aid to mankind. However, complete dependence on it might be disastrous for society. We need to hone ourselves in order to survive even if technology betrays us. Instead of looking at machines as our slaves, we should see them as our partners. This social change will drive us to be at par with technology with our skill set.
Furthermore, the future of technology is very unpredictable. We don’t know where we are headed. Therefore, we must always be ready to make necessary tweaks in gadgets to stop unforeseen disasters.
