Will technology shape our future or will we | Deborah Nas | TEDxAlkmaar

As a Ted x speaker, Deborah has an unparalleled ability to captivate any audience with her inspiring Ted talk, filled with relatable and awe-inspiring examples. By contextualizing technological advancements within both societal and business landscapes, she unveils the current state of affairs and sheds light on what the future holds. Haar grote nieuwsgierigheid naar het menselijk gedrag en nieuwe technologische mogelijkheden leidde tot een glansrijke carrière in innovatie. Na vele innovatieprojecten bij grote bedrijven en startups raakte Deborah steeds meer geïnteresseerd in de psychologische kant van innovatie: waarom omarmen sommige mensen technologische innovaties direct, terwijl anderen weerstand ervaren? Dit bracht haar op het snijvlak van psychologie, technologie en business. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@superduperthedoug]

I never considered how similar our biases against new technology are to the way people were concerned about things back in the day. Definitely makes me rethink my position on some things.

[@Tell-Us-Now]

I get what she's saying and whole-heartedly agree. We have to embrace tech and use it to shape the future we want. It's all about adaptability

[@eva-singer]

YES DEBORAH! I am SO passionate about this topic - The ethical concerns raised here are crucial. We must not let technology advance without considering its impact on society. It's time for responsible innovation and a deep societal debate. Yes so many people still fighting like children instead of focusing on what really matters.

[@ekimoduarte]

I like the idea of having a future where our uses for new tech aligns with our values and aspirations.

[@RedRustyAdvertising]

Tech innovations come with both positives and negatives and I think she did a good job at balancing these.

[@ianrendle]

The quantum technology discussion is intriguing and the call for everyone to contribute to shaping its ethical and societal impacts is pretty spot on

[@leonardotlucas]

Loved the Douglas Adams quote, he's one of my favorite authors and yes, I think that's a pretty good summary of how it goes 😂

[@abradisme]

I appreciate the call for a broad societal debate on quantum. We can't let it run wild. Let's shape a future with ethical guidelines.

[@natashaislier]

The part about our relationship with technology evolving as we age hits close to home. Makes you wonder how our kids perceive tech that seemed daunting to us.

[@berdinaguest]

Quantum technology's potential societal impact is a conversation we should all be part of as it will absolutely affect us all. There are so many people though who don't even know what the term means let alone the impact it's going to have

[@deborahnas54]

Absolutely agree! The challenge is that most of the applications are unknown today. And without a clear idea of the applications, it's difficult to engage people. I'm currently doing an exploration into quantum networks 2050; it is easily seen as science fiction

[@aahmed4280]

Great talk and call to action.

[@gwendolyncarnell]

I have to say the concept of technological optimism versus pessimism is really interesting!

[@marekduvanche]

The comparison between LEGO and Minecraft in terms of skill development is sooo clever!! Shows how quick we are to dismiss new tech without understanding its benefits.

[@ThisIsMyGalaxy]

I appreciate her perspective as both a tech innovator and a mother. I feel like those things balance one another out in terms of the bias we might have towards how the things around us are evolving

[@daveallanthedave]

I'm glad she gave us some historical context in terms of how we've received technological advancements in the past. It's a good perspective check. Humans are great at adapting.

[@deborahnas54]

Indeed, we are at a societal level. However, at an individual level the ability to adapt varies greatly.

[@masonaddison]

The idea that we shape technology and then it shapes us is profound. Loved this perspective.

[@deborahnas54]

Yes, great insight from Marshall McLuhan. He builds on Sir Winston Churchill quote "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”

[@azureopal]

The historical perspective on how people have always been skeptical or concerned about new tech is interesting! It seems like every generation has had it's own set of worries but then also adapts to the changes that come from it.

[@DeborahNas]

That's right. Let's hope that we manage to address our worries with solutions that apply tech for good.

[@judeblyth3606]

Concerns about AI and privacy were well articulated, we need more discussions like this where issues are communicated intelligently rather than just the usual fear mongering or blind optimism and support

[@deborahnas54]

Yes, fully agree!

[@mikedrawley]

Excited about the potential of Quantum technology and the need for a broad societal debate.

[@therealgentlegiant]

I can relate to the concerns about kids and screen time. It's a real challenge for parents these days and I imagine it'll keep getting worse.

[@alionafrunza5838]

It's interesting how recurring that pattern really is, I wonder what it says about us as a society?

[@lannydaslin]

I think her stories about her sons and their tech usage is pretty relatable to most parents

[@thetruemindfulmeditator]

As we shape it, it shapes us. This is why presence and awareness is important to use in all things, we need to be able to see the consequences of our actions before they happen.

[@DeborahNas]

Couldn't agree more!

[@margaretstrom]

Deborah, your talk brilliantly highlights the age-old pattern of fearing and misunderstanding anything that is new and different. It's crucial to remember that progress often brings both benefits and challenges, and what's really important is how we navigate them.

[@deborahnas54]

Fully agree with you!

[@raphae-landres]

It's fascinating how technology's impact is seen through a lens of loss. Really makes you think.

[@deborahnas54]

If you pay attention, you will find 'loss aversion' all around you.

[@evanmosk]

Ultimately it comes down to adaptability. The only constant is change, this stuff will keep evolving regardless of how people feel about it.

[@alextoutaev]

so true, glad I found this talk, very important!

[@deborahnas54]

Thank you for the compliment, glad you liked it!

[@thisistheperfectstate]

Your call to action regarding quantum technology is timely... We must indeed start thinking about the ethical, legal, and societal aspects of emerging technologies before they become mainstream.

[@honeyissweetforme]

You touched on the idea that we need both those who fear and trust technology to shape our future. How do you propose bringing these opposing viewpoints together for constructive dialogue and decision-making?

[@miyahnna]

GIRLLL YES to what she says around the 8:20 mark. We need to be looking at the $$ and motivations behind all of the media we are exposed to. There's a reason they want to ban TikTok and it's not the reason everyone thinks it is.

[@Joyspout]

This talk hits home! We're all drowning in technology. Quantum might be great, but let's not forget the value of unplugging.

[@11ThaoNguyen11]

Balancing the benefits and risks of technology for our children is a constant struggle. The call for a broader discussion on Quantum tech is crucial.

[@mervobak]

Man, quantum tech is mind-blowing! Just like how radio and TV expanded our horizons, quantum's gonna take us to places we can't even imagine right now. Count me in for shaping the future with this mind-bending tech!

[@deborahnas54]

I wish everyone would see quantum's potential like you do!

[@geraldemery1417]

Her point about how we frame things in terms of loss was super interesting!

[@deborahnas54]

Thank you!

[@brandawoodword]

We're at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will shape our future. It freaks me out!

[@IAmTheCuddlyBeast]

I used to be anti-tech, but this talk got me thinking. Maybe I should be part of shaping the future, especially with quantum.

[@Chat-Vibe]

Change is inevitable, and embracing it is key. Quantum technology may have uncertainties, but that's the beauty of progress.

[@SingularDesire]

It is really interesting to think about how the things we make end up impacting and changing us

[@deborahnas54]

Indeed! This insights started with the quote from Winston Churchill in 1943: “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”. Marshall McLuhan further build upon this.

[@taniagill4673]

I really enjoyed the part about involving people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help shape the future of Quantum. It's a way of ensuring the technology benefits everyone which I don't think is something that has been done in the past.

[@deborahnas54]

I think (or hope) that tech companies are finally understanding this. We must move away from young-male-dominated tech teams if we want to innovate responsibly.

[@rekeymusic7777]

Most insightfull talk till now on ted ❤

[@deborahnas54]

Best compliment ever 😊

[@ammarsawi6118]

I accept

[@fredbrodersen2734]

It's fascinating how every generation worries about new tech. I'm all for progress! There's a whole world of cool inventions and innovations ahead!

[@peternpicha]

Hi Deborah, this talk is so interesting. You mentioned that technology optimists often underestimate the dangers of new technology. I'm just wondering if there are any instances you know of where this happened and it then led to unforeseen consequences? Was it then resolved and, if so, how?

[@TheRealLunaTech]

Definitely have to agree with her at the 5:29 mark, but I think it's okay to do that as long as we're aware that just because it's our preference doesn't mean it's better.

[@thedaveallan]

The analogy between Lego and Minecraft perfectly illustrates how our familiarity with technology shapes our perceptions. It's eye-opening to see how our frame of reference influences our attitudes.

[@deborahnas54]

It's genuinely intriguing how our past experiences mold our perception of the world and guide our outlook for the future. It's a very human trait. Understanding of the psychology behind it is a good first step to becoming more open minded.

[@evielangtree8743]

I think many parents would be able to relate to the struggle of trying to keep screen time balanced and be mindful of how it's affecting their kids.

[@deborahnas54]

Even though I understand the psychology behind it, I still experience the same struggle. The truth is that we don't know the effects of using digital tools and social media on the long term. It's very difficult to measure as many things in society are changing in parallel.

[@kalebmurch3528]

Humanity will always adapt, that's our strength as a species

[@oscarnotreallyawiener]

Quantum technology is a whole new frontier and the call to start thinking about its ethical, legal, and societal aspects before it becomes widespread is not only wise but should be taken very seriously.

[@DeliriousGentleman]

I think we should definitely be having more conversations about this, we already look to technology for so much.

[@deborahnas54]

Agree. Technology can enable this conversation, even when we're far apart ;-)

[@macyduens]

Makes me think about the delicate balance between progress and potential pitfalls. We can't ignore the potential dangers, but we also can't halt progress.

[@eva-singer]

Yes! Many societies around the world do not have the moral or ethical capacity to fully understand what it means to be responsible in their use of technology, nor do they want to either.

[@thisdidnotfkinghelpatall]

Quantum is the future, and we're on the cusp of something big. It's essential to start envisioning its impact on society now.

[@jimwebbjr]

I totally get what she's saying here, we shape technology and it, in turn, shapes us, like a symbiotic relationship.

[@danabailey3887]

Whether you're for or against, the only way we can have a positive impact is by embracing and guiding new tech. No point burying our heads in the sand and hoping it just goes away or doesn't progress.

[@deborahnas54]

Absolutely agree! And we need diverse perspectives. Technology is too important to leave it to the engineers!

[@lorrainegracelacson]

This talk really struck a chord with me! I have similar concerns about how quickly AI is developing and the lack of ethical guidelines. I don't want to be pessimistic but I think it's already gotten away from us a bit. I'm not saying it's not useful, just that our uses for it need to be regulated better.

[@deborahnas54]

I'm very happy to read that my message resonates with you. It's a wicked problem; AI is everywhere around us. Although Europe is working hard to put regulations in place, it's unclear how we will ever monitor and enforce these regulations. Also, it might slow down AI-based innovation in Europe. How to benefit from AI while mitigating its downsides? I hope that starting a broad societal debate about it will help.

[@valteradnan]

Watching this, I can't help but worry about my own kids and their screen time. Are we really ready for quantum? I want to shape a future where they can still play outside and not be glued to screens.

[@bestnewtunes8363]

I love that she included a little diversity CTA. Way to tick those boxes Deborah.

[@dustycallan]

I miss the simplicity of the past. We used to play with Lego, and now it's all about Minecraft. Is it progress or just change?

[@Onlyrahiim]

This is the change which will have a progress.

[@aileascooper]

The discussion about AI and its potential for both positive and negative impacts is crucial. We need to stay on the same page about what's good for our best interests.

[@DeborahNas]

Fully agree! It's not an easy discussion, though. Even within one country people's values hugely differ.

[@mikethesailor]

Tech has made our world smaller, but are we really connected? Quantum could be the game-changer.

[@zeldaselsta]

Every generation fears what they don't know, but a very good point is made... We're moving at a much quicker pace now, can we handle it?

[@deborahnas54]

Already in 1970 Alvin Toffler wrote about future shock: "too much change in too short a period of time". I think that humans will always have this feeling; we experience difficulties keeping up. But indeed, because of the exponential scaling of calculating power, digital technologies are developing much faster than historical non-digital technologies. I'm curious to see, though, what the future holds for us. You too?

[@rainithacker]

It already is, and until people decide to think, and make choices based on facts not opinion, then we will be doomed.

[@deanskyler]

A lot of people share apprehensions about technology not because of the technology itself but the implications of what can be done with it, and what that means for the development of society. Easy to say it was silly for people to have worried about TV or video games but firstly look at our now very sedentary lifestyle and secondly, TV's and video games aren't out here replacing peoples jobs.

[@thisisarchiegraves]

Wow. Seriously we actually are in the future now. It's insane.

[@greennight1239]

Been studying history, and this fear of new tech isn't new. Newspapers, TV, Internet-all faced criticism. Quantum's just the latest in line.

[@deborahnas54]

Indeed, society tends to put the spotlight on the possible negative effect of new technologies, not on their benefits.

[@lanceabbott1994]

Yeah the part about fully trusting our "digital friends" without understanding the political motives of how they've been programmed was really unnerving..

[@TheAmendIsNow]

Quantum sounds lit! Just like Minecraft upgraded Lego, this will upgrade our lives. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@deborahnas54]

Yes, it holds great promises and is expected to transform our world

[@1edty]

Wow I was weirdly shocked when she went through the list of innovations that at the time people thought would have a detrimental affect... because all of those fears are what has happened so far so are they examples for or against?

[@teddybearlemaire]

She's absolutely right about the historical fear of technology, films like the terminator and the matrix don't do us any favors for looking at AI in a positive light either

[@1RedLava1]

Oh my the hypothetical about video games and books blew my mind lol

[@haileypattern7666]

It's really encouraging to see someone put an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity in shaping the future of tech. It's so important to include a range of perspectives when developing anything that will be used by all kinds of people, sadly it doesn't always happen.

[@my-own-boss]

While your concern about the rapid development of AI is valid, could you share any specific instances where AI has been misused or had unintended negative consequences that reinforce your worries?

[@itsmesamrendall]

The point she makes about how much waste electronics create, I don't think people realize just how bad it is. Like however bad you think it is, times it by ten.

[@wiltjackson]

Quantum tech is our ticket to a utopian future! Let's not dwell on fears but embrace the possibilities.

[@shitonwalls-ual]

3:30 min

[@immayasass]

It's hard not to see the potential pitfalls of AI and Quantum. Ethics matter.

[@Enzo-Sardi]

I can see where she's coming from but I'm more skeptical about the long-term consequences of rapid technological advancements. We should proceed with caution.

[@arnafieldsteen]

Yeah I'm definitely one of those people who would have been skeptical about TV haha just as I'm skeptical about all of this.

[@ailamacdonald]

I've seen too many sci-fi movies where technology goes haywire. Quantum, AI, who knows what's next?

[@lifeisshortliveit]

I had to laugh at the part about Greek philosophers saying it would be bad for our memories if we wrote everything down. I guess there's always been a downside or trade-off to new ways of doing things!

[@kristyphoney]

I miss the good old days of playing with Lego. Kids today and their digital games, I don't get it. Quantum sounds like a headache. Let's not forget what we lose in the race for the future.

[@wildflowerhoney1862]

In my opinion, the genie is already out of the bottle and AI may one day become sentient just like the Terminator movies predicted...

[@joo-jali]

I'm just wondering, will there be an "undo" button? We is gonna need it.....

[@caro.7487]

AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring great benefits, but on the other, we must address the ethical implications and potential misuse

[@michaelmyrick6973]

Nikola Teslas tech did change the world.

[@busterbeansishere]

Every tech wave erases a bit of our cultural fabric. Quantum might be no different.

[@charlie-s-anger]

Sure, quantum sounds cool, but what about the environmental impact? We need to shape a sustainable future, not just a tech-driven one.

[@noaholiverauthentic]

Are we truly falling prey to age-old concerns, or is there something genuinely different this time?

[@GingerTeaAddict]

Quantum, AI, what's next, time travel?

[@deborahnas54]

That would be cool 😂

[@hinicetrygoodbye]

As long as the future doesn't involve cat videos in higher dimensions. Let's keep it weird, folks!

[@leah-buttons]

Lost in all this talk of quantum is human connection.

[@therealblackdynasty]

Her opening quote is so poignant and I think it applies to everything, really, environment, lifestyle, diet...

[@jsjb3468]

She's negative!

[@attrett]

Wasted 13 minutes of my life. I didn't hear anything new that I had not already read in Hararis and several other similar books. A lot of clichees without any constructive solution. No added value in this speech, nothing encouraging, nothing interesting. Inappropriate example with her son: she cannot manage her child at the age of 3 or 4 without having a ton of devices? Embarrassing.

[@lannydaslin]

Wow you sound bitter

[@ihavebigpaws]

What she says about how we shape our tools and then our tools shape us, man that really got me thinking and it's weird to think that if we had of created different tools when humanity was evolving, what would our society look like now?