Chapter 1: Understanding Technology's Role

Recently, I had an engaging interview where the interviewer posed an intriguing question: Do I prefer the people involved in technology sales or the technology itself? After a brief reflection, I concluded that my passion lies in assisting individuals in harnessing the power of technology. This was particularly resonant as the company I interviewed with was an AI-driven HR tech firm that had recently undergone significant layoffs.

At its core, technology—whether viewed through the lens of data or research—serves as an array of tools. The critical factor is how we choose to utilize these tools. On one hand, technology has been instrumental in empowering individuals with disabilities, enabling them to thrive both in their communities and workplaces. Conversely, it has also provided the means to inflict harm, allowing acts of violence to occur swiftly before any intervention can take place.

Before introducing any new technology into society, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate all potential outcomes. My initial experience with the internet was thrilling; I remember making a lasting friendship on a Bulletin Board System (BBS) called The HeartBeat of Portland back in 1993. From the onset, my interactions online naturally transitioned between digital and physical spaces, which I sometimes humorously refer to as "meat space."

In my previous role in media sales, the advent of PDFs revolutionized the way we operated. Instead of the cumbersome process of collecting ads in person and managing print layouts, everything became streamlined through the internet, saving an enormous amount of time.

This duality in my feelings towards technology persists. While it has enriched my life in many ways, it also raises concerns about the erosion of social dynamics. In the past, securing a job often involved personal negotiations and handshakes. Today, the acceptance of an offer has transformed into a process of reading documents through Docusign and initialing agreements. Furthermore, layoffs can occur with a mere click, severing employees' access to their work tools—a trend I view as troubling.

The shift in workplace relationships is particularly striking. I fondly recall sharing meals with my supervisors, a privilege that now seems rare as I find myself grateful if my Slack messages receive a response.

A thought-provoking author I admire, Johann Hari, explores themes of social connection in his book "Lost Connections." He delves into various factors contributing to depression, advocating for a deeper understanding beyond the traditional medical model. Hari emphasizes the significance of meaningful relationships, noting that loneliness can prevail even in the presence of others if genuine connections are lacking.

"Loneliness isn’t the physical absence of other people," he asserts, "it’s the sense that you’re not sharing anything that matters with anyone else. If you have many people around you—perhaps even a husband or wife, or a family, or a busy workplace—but you don’t share anything that matters with them, you’ll still be lonely."

? Johann Hari, Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression — and the Unexpected Solutions

While technology has afforded me the ability to reconnect with numerous friends from high school and college, it may have diminished my motivation to forge new, local, in-person relationships in both personal and professional realms.

In conclusion, although I appreciate the advancements technology brings, it is imperative that we wield it thoughtfully to enhance human experience.

Jessica L. Benjamin

Section 1.1: The Dual Nature of Technology

Technology undoubtedly offers advantages, but it is crucial to recognize its potential to disrupt social bonds.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Impact on Work Relationships

Chapter 2: The Promise and Peril of Progress

In light of technology's complexities, it's important to consider its implications on society.

The first video, "Supersizing Your Business Can Be A Mixed Blessing!" discusses how rapid expansion in business can lead to unforeseen consequences, reflecting the mixed blessings of technology in the workplace.

The second video, "Humanity and Technology: No, AI Won't Do Everything We Do," emphasizes the indispensable nature of human connections despite technological advancements.