Humanizing Technology - Describing a New Symbiosis and Why It Matters

Since the beginning of time, humans and technology have shared a mutually influential relationship. This relationship has shaped our culture, our beliefs and our history, in other words, it has defined what being human is all about. Today, it’s evident that different technologies have made us progress in unimaginable ways towards a better world but some others have forgotten about elemental humane aspects of our lives. This makes me realize that many technologies have had unforeseen dehumanizing effects (Inequality, isolation, egocentrism, etc) that, if not eradicated, could become very dangerous as we approach the so called singularity.

Decisions we make today about the implementation and design of new technologies will have a profound impact on the world as we know it. It is clear to me that a major focus for us should be to deploy powerful technologies that will solve meaningful problems and also have humanizing effects on society. We must understand the best way to get our technological capabilities to coexist with our human nature, this is the path towards humanizing technology.

Singularitarians see the line that distinguishes between humans and machines disappearing over time, they believe that the next step for our evolution is to ditch our individuality and become one with technology. In contrast, the idea of humanizing technology seeks to bring out our most humane virtues with the help of our tools and devices while keeping that distinguishing line very well defined.

The concept of humanization of technology rethinks the relationship that humans have shared with technology as one of symbiotic nature. This new model implies an intimate and beneficial relationship between humans and our tools and promises a brighter future for technology but even more important, for humans and what makes us special, our humaneness.

Andres Rico

Inventions that embody the ideas described in the text: emotIOn, Wall Glider, Membrane Door, Light Portal, S-Enhancer.