Some of the issues we are facing
Welcome to the course on "Issues in Digital Engagement." In this course, we are going on a discovery journey into all the places these ones and zeros travel and delve into the profound technological shift that our age is experiencing. The emergence of the internet, initially developed by the US military, marks a historic event that has transformed the way we communicate, work, and live. This course will examine the impact of human activities leading up to the anticipated fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the rise of robots, the growing reliance on algorithms, and the advancement of complex Artificial Intelligence.
As we navigate through this transformative era, it is essential to understand the implications of our digital engagements. With the increasing integration of technology into our daily lives, we are confronted with both opportunities and challenges. For instance, while AI systems bring efficiency and convenience to various sectors, they also raise concerns about privacy, job displacement, and ethical dilemmas not to mention the rising need for energy, water and rare earth minerals among other resources, leading us to question, to what end? By exploring these issues, we can better comprehend the complexities of the digital landscape and how it impacts our actual landscape and make informed decisions on how to engage with technology safely and consciously.
By reflecting on the evolution of technology and its impact on society, we can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of our world today. As we stand on the cusp of a new industrial revolution, it is crucial to critically examine our relationship with technology and with each other, and envision a future that aligns with our values and aspirations. We need to check ourselves for misuse and hold each other accountable to create boundaries, at the same time, we need the sense of joy and play both on and off the computer terminal, to nurture our knowledge and innovation.
Through this course, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by digital engagement, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to navigate this ever-evolving terrain with confidence and mindfulness.
The technological revolution has given us new tools and technologies that have changed the way we interact with each other and the world around us. The internet has made it possible to connect with people from all over the world, access information instantly, and conduct business on a global scale. Social media has transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, share our experiences and ideas, and build communities around common interests.
But the technological revolution has also brought with it new challenges and risks. We are more connected than ever before, but this has also made us more vulnerable to cyber attacks, identity theft, and other forms of online crime. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is transforming the job market, creating new opportunities for some but displacing others. And the increasing reliance on technology in every aspect of our lives raises important questions about privacy, security, and the ethics of technology.
As we navigate this new world of technology and innovation, it is important to reflect on the impact it is having on our lives and our society. We must ask ourselves what kind of world we want to create, and how we can use technology to build a better future for ourselves and future generations.
The first generation of humans to undergo such a dramatic technological shift has a responsibility to use these new tools and technologies wisely, to harness their potential for good, and to ensure that the benefits are shared fairly and equitably. We have an opportunity to shape the future in ways that were once unimaginable, and it is up to us to seize this opportunity and create a world that is both technologically advanced and socially just.
The technological revolution is not just about new gadgets and gizmos – it is about transforming the way we live, work, and interact with each other. We are living in a time of rapid change and innovation, and the possibilities are endless. The first step is to embrace this new world of technology and use it to create a brighter, better future for ourselves and generations to come.
Recommended Reading:
Futureproof 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation by Kevin Roose
Interview with Kevin Roose on CBC with Piya Chattopadhyay
Synopsis:
Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation
Automation has been a buzzword for a few years now, but its impact on our lives is only just beginning to be felt. As we move deeper into the age of automation, the need for individuals and businesses to adapt and evolve has never been greater. In their book, "Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation", Kevin Roose examines the ways in which automation will change the nature of work and the skills required to succeed in the job market.
The book is a call to action for individuals and businesses to take a proactive approach to the changing landscape of work. Roose argues that the age of automation is not something to be feared, but rather embraced, as long as we are willing to adapt and evolve alongside it. The book outlines a set of nine rules that will be crucial for success in the age of automation:
- Rule #1: Embrace Change - Adaptability is key to surviving and thriving in the age of automation. Those who are willing to embrace change and learn new skills will be well-positioned to succeed.
- Rule #2: Learn to Code - Coding is becoming an increasingly valuable skill in the job market. Even if you don't plan to become a full-time programmer, having a basic understanding of coding can make you more valuable in a variety of roles.
- Rule #3: Cultivate Creativity - As machines become more adept at performing routine tasks, the value of human creativity will only increase. Cultivating a creative mindset and developing the ability to think outside the box will be essential for success.
- Rule #4: Hone Your Emotional Intelligence - Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage your own emotions as well as those of others, is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Those who can navigate complex interpersonal relationships will be in high demand.
- Rule #5: Become a Lifelong Learner - The pace of technological change is accelerating, and those who can keep up will be at a distinct advantage. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit, and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies is essential for success.
- Rule #6: Master Your Domain - While automation will eliminate some jobs, it will also create new ones. Those who can become experts in their field will be in high demand, as machines will require human oversight and management.
- Rule #7: Don't Fear Automation - Automation is not something to be feared, but rather embraced as a tool to enhance and augment human abilities. Those who can leverage technology to empower themselves and their coworkers will be well-positioned for success.
- Rule #8: Prioritize Human Connections - As machines become more adept at performing routine tasks, the value of human connections will only increase. Building and maintaining strong relationships with coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders will be essential for success.
- Rule #9: Embrace Ethical Considerations - As machines become more autonomous and capable of making decisions, questions arise about who is responsible for their actions. We must grapple with these questions sooner rather than later, and develop a framework for ethical decision-making that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders.
"Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation" is a thought-provoking and insightful examination of the ways in which automation will transform the nature of work. The book challenges us to think critically about the role of technology in the workplace, and provides a roadmap for adapting to the changes ahead. As automation continues to reshape the job market, following these nine rules will be essential for success.
Activity:
Describe one of the nine "rules" Kevin Roose maps out in Futureproof and how you could follow it.
For example, rule #2, 'Learn to Code' - check out www.code.org where you have free access to this education.
Next step...
Choose your level of participation in this course. You can..
- Request a tutoring/mentoring or coaching session with the author here. The cost is $45/hour.
- Submit your written work for feedback here. The cost is $10/page.
- Request notification for the next live lecture on this topic here. The cost will be $5.
Ideas for a Digital Detox
When it come to our use of technology, from what I've learned in my short 50 odd years, we need to make conscious the unconscious- to fight the urge to mindlessly and addictively reach for a device and secondly, to engage in multitasking, the enemy of attention spans and goal setting.
Things we can do to disrupt the current status quo:
We can document before we grab a device to engage.
Use Journal Writing, an age old tool of self renewal.
Journaling Prompts
Number one - what are we about to do and why?
Number two - what are self-imposed time limit according to our personal exposure reduction goals(PERG)
Number three - post exposure was it worth it, did you achieve your goal?
Week number one:
We will be taking stock how much time are you spending online and in front of screens;
how many devices have you had ;
and do you have;
measure your digital fingerprint;
how many things do you have connected
how do you feel when you do digital activities
have you been processing your digital experiences
do you have digital dreams?
what are you learning through digital interactions?
Week number two what else do you do?
Focus on your non-digital life what are your favorite non-digital activities?
what do you aspire to learn/do ?
Week Three
Who is with you?
Look for confirmation of support
give a heads up to significant others
make workable agreements
what are your online dreams
who can help you achieve them
managing expectations
making agreements, limits and boundaries
keep focus
maintenance calls
goals
what limits do you want to put on yourself
Number of new devices,
number of connected devices at one time,
amount of time online and on screens,
input versus output,
quality/accomplishments,
agreements with others -workplace- peers- family
People you connect with
- Make a list of all the people you connect with.
- Beside their name - how do you connect i.e. text/ FB/ Insta; show top connections 5 to 20 people to look more closely at.
- Make notes of anything you’ve experienced in relation to that connection what are your expectations versus their‘s in terms of response time?
- Have you had any disappointments and or inspirations from this Connection?
- what are your expectations versus their’s in terms of response time?
- have you had any disappointments and or inspirations don’t do that percent of virtual versus life connection with the person.
- who is curating your digital experience
Taking Stock:
Answer the following questions in your own way to start taking stock of your own personal digital experience.
How much time are you spending online?
in front of screens in general?
How many devices have you had?
How many devices that connect to wifi do you have now?
Measure your digital fingerprint, take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F9XYGJJ
List some activities you do that are not involving screens.
Which one will you do today?