When the Cave Becomes Home
This paper explores the intersection of human psychology and advanced technology, focusing on how intelligent and emotive technology influences human behavior and emotional intelligence, and in the process, might impact our ability to show and feel empathy. Based in Alfred Adler’s theory of human motivation, we examine how feelings of inferiority — vulnerability, powerlessness, perfectibility, and the need for affiliation — drive our increasing dependence on technology. The human tendency to treat inanimate objects as animate is heightened by the sophisticated communication capabilities of Generative AI (Gen AI), altering our interpersonal dynamics and communication signals. We analyze how this shift impacts empathy, self-centeredness, and impatience, suggesting a need for conscious awareness of technology’s limitations to preserve genuine human connections. By conducting a “technology dependency audit,” we encourage individuals to reflect on the extent to which their lives are mediated by technology. Ultimately, the paper argues for reclaiming our emotional and practical autonomy from technology to maintain authentic human relationships and emotional well-being.
Burning up and burning out. Human Sustainability in a Time of Emotional Climate Change
The world is focused on countering climate change to guarantee our survival. But as our planet burns up, we are burning out. The costs of mental health disorders dwarf those of climate change and yet do not get commensurate attention from global leaders. Health care providers and organizations have acted first but need support of the financial markets and public decision-makers. In this paper, we argue that the economic and social toll of mental health and wellbeing issues deserve equal attention from business and public leaders because Human Sustainability is as important as Environmental Sustainability for our ability to endure and thrive as a species in harmony with others.
The road to hell is paved with good intentionality
The dislocation of the Pandemic caused social convulsions around the world. The middle and ruling classes seem to have rediscovered humans – essential workers, employees, members of underrepresented minorities, and children.In our rush to atone our sins and redress imbalances, we are not stopping to define words nor, as the pragmatists would want us to, think through what our moral precepts mean in practice. Nor do we have the tools in accounting, the “language of business,” to capture our efforts.However, teams that do not take the time to establish ground rules and standard definitions often get a faster start but don’t always do the best work nor have the most impact. Let’s give ourselves better changes.