Mindfulness and The Progression of AI
Let’s face it: in this day and age, we appreciate quick results, reliable connections (with one another and wifi), and instant gratification. I don’t blame us; we grew up in a world that is revolutionizing technology before our very eyes. I’m looking at you, Sam Altman. I was listening to a podcast this week that emphasized the importance of learning to grow with technology in a more mindful way, as opposed to wagging our fingers at it. The advancements are here, and as AI begins to transform society slowly, yet somehow quickly, at the same time, our culture is starting to evolve, leading us to trust that these technologies are built with regulations, mindfulness, and empathy.
Through these advancements, I find myself becoming more and more curious about social psychology. How will the advancements of AI shift our societies? Our schools? Our workplaces? Our relationships? Our ideas of companionship? As you can imagine, these answers will take time to appear, but in the meantime, I’ll be sketching a laundry list of my comments, questions, and concerns.
My values are shifting as I enter adulthood. No longer do I wish to be a busybody who tackles her mighty to-do list; rather, I’m finding myself turning to the pockets of life that invite me to be in stillness. I’ve had a mediation practice for almost a year now (one of the biggest reasons I started Dose of Goodness in the first place !!), but I don’t believe that I’ve ever valued the simple art of doing nothing. It sounds like the title of a Parisian book, lol, but nonetheless - it’s true. I’m still navigating what ding nothing looks like, but so far, I can note that:
Thinking is normal. We will always be thinking, so don’t run from your thoughts.
Meditating is not a task on your to-do list to heal yourself. It’s an opportunity to be resent with sights, smells, sounds, and your breath.
So maybe AI will take over the world, but maybe it won’t. The concerns we raise are valid, and the idea of AI embedding into our everyday lives is both intriguing and daunting. While we ponder this possibility, I’m imagining something more lighthearted: an AI bot taking my place at Starbucks, tirelessly concocting frappuccinos while I clock in to work on my art instead.
Until next time, xx.