In a world of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), understanding gadgets and apps is only the tip of the iceberg. Have you ever considered how understanding people, or empathy, is just as important? That’s right. Empathy in the digital world is a superpower. It is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they’re feeling, and it can help make AI better for everyone.
How AI Can Affect Us
AI is a part of our everyday lives, from the phones we use to text to the games we play and even the online videos we watch. It’s excellent at getting to know us, often better than we realize. It takes everything it learns about us and can make suggestions that make us want to stay online longer and influence our behavior and thinking. AI also frequently isn’t fair to everyone. It can favor some groups of people over others.
Empathy Means Asking Questions
Empathy is about imagining yourself in someone else’s place. According to Verywell Mind, it means understanding what others feel, seeing things from their perspective, and feeling what they are feeling. So, why is empathy our superpower when dealing with AI? When we dial up our empathy, we start to see AI, what it can do, and how it impacts people. We begin to ask: Who benefits from this AI? What do the people who created this want? Could it be leaving some people out or treating them unfairly? How can we use AI to bring people together rather than create divides?
Break the Information Bubble
Empathy lets us consider how technology affects everyone around us. For example, AI often recommends the same kind of stories or games because it knows you like them. This means it makes you miss out on new and different things that would help you see the world differently. That is called an information bubble, and it can be very dangerous. By thinking about how this works, it’s possible to push back. We can ask the AI system to show us different things. This can break the bubble and create more inclusive and exciting technology for everyone.
How to Boost Empathy
So, how do you boost your empathy when it comes to AI? Start by being curious. Ask questions about how and why technology works the way it does. Think about how you feel when using technology. Ask others how they feel about it, especially if their feelings are different from yours. Remember to share your thoughts and feelings with others, too. Communication is a two-way street. We will better understand each other and create a better world by sharing.
A Digital World with Heart
So, the next time you’re scrolling through your phone, watching a smart TV, or playing your favorite online game, remember the power of empathy in the digital world. Look at technology through the eyes of understanding and compassion. Think about what impacts it can have on the people who use it. Consider how the creators benefit from it and if it’s fair to all. We can help shape a digital future that brings us closer instead of pulling us apart. Let’s use our empathy superpower to make sure AI works for all of us, building a more connected and understanding world; one click at a time.
