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

[@luisximena]

I really appreciate her focus on diverse voices. I feel like so many of our previous "new innovations" were mostly centred around helping just one group of people... it can't just be that anymore.

[@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!

[@DeborahNas]

Absolutely agree!

[@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

[@iamtheunusualsuspect]

I relate to that "future shock" idea so much. Sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with all the new apps and gadgets and honestly if I didn't have to for work I doubt I would stay up to date with it all

[@sidharper]

Marshall McLuhan's idea that we shape our tools and then they shape us is spot on. It’s incredible how relevant that still is today

[@RainbowPassion]

This is exactly the kind of perspectives we should be looking at when navigating the future of tech, especially AI related tech

[@granmabecker]

Well I must admit I was one of those who was resistant to getting internet and now I love it! It's the same with anything new, technology, food, even people! Just takes a little getting used to

[@aaronereid]

Her talk really makes you think about how technology shapes our lives. It's important to stay informed and engaged in these discussions.

[@steeveleibold531]

as someone who struggles with screen addiction, I respect her honesty about her own tech habits. It's a constant battle to find balance.

[@lannydaslin]

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

[@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.

[@valenciaponomarenco]

The idea that we can shape technology before it shapes us is empowering. I hope people have more discussions like this so we can at least be aware of what's needed for a positive future

[@deborahnas54]

I hope that you will discuss the impact of technology with your peers too!

[@birdiemaker]

when she talked about carrying all those devices for her kid, I felt that. I'm like a walking Best Buy when I go out with my toddler!

[@Bubbly-Snowflake]

The quantum computing part went over my head, but I get why we need to think ahead. Can't put the genie back in the bottle!

[@evie-c]

her struggle between being a tech optimist and a worried mom is so relatable. it's like, you want to embrace the future but also protect your kids. parenting in the digital age is no joke

[@deborahnas54]

Luckily, you (or at least, I) worry less as they get older. There's no way of limiting a teenagers screen time anyway 📱

[@jacey-morgan]

Kinda mind-blowing to think about how fast tech is evolving. My grandma went from no phone to smartphones all in her lifetime! I wonder what I'll see in mine

[@deborahnas54]

Yeah, that's crazy, right?!

[@ImSushmitha]

I can't stop thinking about the quote she says, "We shape our tools and then our tools shape us." It's so simple but so profound. Really encapsulates the double-edged sword of technology.

[@DeborahNas]

The tools that we invest definitely shape our lives and our jobs, and as a result, they shape us. The interesting question then becomes: is it a change for the better or the worse? That's a mater of perspective, I guess. Technology introduces new benefits, but also new drawbacks.

[@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.

[@AFitTraveler]

I felt seen when she talked about technology fears. I still refuse to use Alexa cause I'm paranoid about privacy.

[@timoguedon]

I appreciate the call for a broad societal debate on the future of technology, especially quantum tech. It's crucial that diverse voices are heard in this conversation.

[@DeborahNas]

Definitely! It can be challenging though, as it is difficult for people to imagine future applications of the technology.

[@Me-lolahernandez]

Her willingness to address uncertainties adds authenticity to the message. It is a really complex topic and if someone in the industry whose job it is to hype us up about it is hesitant well surely that means this is something we should really be paying attention to

[@sandynharris]

Very happy to have found this talk, lots of positive yet cautious ways to think of things, and I like that

[@1maceyt]

as someone who's always been suspicious of new tech, I love how she validates those concerns. Thanks for making me feel seen!

[@IAmTheRealMagicMan]

The idea of recalibrating our approach to tech is really refreshing. We don't have to be for or against it, we just have to find a balance that works for us within our own lives

[@deborahnas54]

Very well said!

[@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!

[@robertahvieira]

I have respect for her for being honest about her doubts and fears as a tech optimist. It takes guts to question your own perspective like that.

[@DeborahNas]

Thank you. That might be the most meaningful comment I've received. 🙏

[@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”

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@pierrevilleneu]

I found it fascinating how she discussed the historical fears of technology. It's a reminder that change is always met with resistance, I wonder why we're so quick to forget that?

[@deborahnas54]

When we look ahead, we focus on the risks and drawbacks. When we look back at technological innovations that are now part of our lives, we tend to focus on the benefits they brought us. Social media is one of the few exceptions; looking back, many people are not very positive on its impact on society.

[@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.

[@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

[@wendyrocha8331]

I think the future is a mix of both optimism and caution. We can't stop progress, but we can guide it in a direction that benefits humanity as a whole.

[@DeborahNas]

It will take effort to guide it in the right direction, I hope that many people will join the effort!

[@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.

[@kalebmurch3528]

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

[@Cheyenne1989]

These are great insights on the future of technology! I think it can be a double-edged sword, and it's up to us how we swing it.

[@brandawoodword]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@InstaNewsNow]

that part about big tech companies knowing everything about us makes me wanna go off the grid. but then how would I watch netflix? the struggle is real

[@thenextbigthingishere]

I relate to her journey of going from tech optimist to skeptic. It's getting harder and harder to just focus on the positivity and ignore the potential negative consequences, the latter far outweighs the former.

[@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

[@RedRustyAdvertising]

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

[@thehammygnow]

I don't think it's a one or the other kind of situation but what she said about our tools shaping us is pretty on point

[@juliaressberger]

"Future shock" is my new favorite term. Perfectly sums up the anxiety I feel about the pace of technological change.

[@DeborahNas]

Get ready for some big future shocks!

[@juliaressberger]

@@DeborahNas I am but I dont want to be

[@juliaressberger]

@@DeborahNas they happen every day

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@evanmosk]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@mikedrawley]

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

[@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.

[@natalemodesto]

I love the point she makes about our frame of reference informing our perceptions of technology. There are always going to be people with varying levels of comfort and familiarity to innovations.

[@deborahnas54]

Very well said!

[@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.

[@Joyspout]

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

[@offbeatbirdy3307]

What's interesting is we now live in a time where tech trends are constantly changing. Like it's happening so quickly you really need to dedicate time to finding out about it all

[@deborahnas54]

Agree! It takes me at least an hour day (sometimes two) to keep up with the latest developments in AI.

[@geenaremsby]

Was interesting to hear how her perspective shifted after having kids!

[@imadampierce]

I think the better question or focus should be how can we educate ourselves and others about the benefits and negatives in a way that allows for the safe and responsible consumption of tech

[@ElegantEye]

It's wild to take a step back and look at how quickly tech has changed every aspect of our lives. I already feel like I can barely keep up and I know we're just on the edge of what's to come

[@deborahnas54]

Yes. A term coined in the 70s is "Future Shock". Humanity has already been struggling with this for decades!

[@the-real-fedora_the_explorer]

I'm definitely guilty of focusing more on what we lose with new tech than what we gain. She called me out on that one!

[@deborahnas54]

It all starts with awareness ;-)

[@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.

[@deborahnas54]

Good to read. Mission accomplished ;-) Keep in mind that technology brings benefits and drawbacks, opportunities and risks. We just have the tendency to focus on the drawbacks and risks.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gwendolyncarnell]

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

[@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!

[@alyhdickinson]

Okay I've never really understood what the Quantum thing meant but the way she compares it to the invention of the laser made it click. Also to then think about lasers and all the stuff we do with them!! Crazy.

[@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.

[@geraldemery1417]

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

[@deborahnas54]

Thank you!

[@baileyteranirt9528]

I can totally relate to her concerns about her son's digital habits. It's a constant struggle to balance the benefits and potential downsides of technology in my own kids' lives, especially when you become aware of just how addictive they're making certain games and apps

[@deborahnas54]

Luckily, in my son's case, at some point girls became more interesting than games 🙂

[@baileyteranirt9528]

@@deborahnas54 y😍es this happens

[@chaddydescil]

I feel ya on the quantum tech stuff. It's wild to think we need to plan for something we can't even imagine yet.

[@deborahnas54]

Yeah, much more difficult than I thought when I started working on this.

[@albertwisniewski9398]

This talk's got me thinking about my digital footprint. Maybe it's time to clean up my old social media posts...

[@jimwebbjr]

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

[@lefthandcharlie]

Never thought about how invisible most modern tech is. No wonder it feels more scary than old-school gadgets.

[@deborahnas54]

True, but when the calculator arrived teachers also demonstrated to ban them from schools because they would "destroy math"

[@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?

[@corkyamos]

The more technology that comes out, the more I am afraid for our future.

[@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.

[@be-present-now]

The idea of losing agency and control to technology is a real fear. We must be proactive in setting ethical standards for the tech industry.

[@aahmed4280]

Great talk and call to action.

[@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.

[@keeserevin]

The quantum tech part's got me excited and terrified. How do we prep for something we can't even imagine?

[@deborahnas54]

Indeed, that's the challenge! And much more difficult than I envisioned. But nevertheless, we must try!

[@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.

[@Chat-Vibe]

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

[@MelPeters7]

yes¬

[@glenbeckernotthatoneeither]

Quantum technology sounds exciting, but it's a bit overwhelming. We should definitely start discussing its impact and ensure responsible development.

[@DreamFestForMe]

And we are finding out more each day

[@teclio7379]

I don't know much about quantum computing, but the laser comparison has me intrigued. Definitely going down a wiki-rabbit hole later.

[@ekimoduarte]

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

[@deborahnas54]

Yes, me too. Very important! It's very difficult though to think ahead and foresee the unintended negative side-effects of technology.

[@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.

[@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?

[@gertvermisen2000]

A small thing she mentioned but something I find really interesting is the "Generative AI is interacting with us as if it's human" and I have to wonder why did we set it up this way? If it's learning based on how we treat it why have we been treating it like it's human instead of figuring out how to respectfully and appropriately interact with it as AI?

[@deborahnas54]

Interesting question! My guess is that (user interface) designers always strive to make their products as intuitive to use as possible. Interacting with something as if it's human is probably the most intuitive solution.

[@IamtheTechPrincess]

I like to think that even people not in the industry can be having conversations about this stuff and just spread a little more understanding and awareness... I think a lot of the time people just never form opinions about this stuff until it's a major thing that's happening and then they're just told how to feel about it

[@DeborahNas]

Absolutely agree. People who are not in the industry will bring valuable perspectives to the table.

[@IamtheTechPrincess]

@@DeborahNas diversity I guess... of thought and practice

[@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 😂

[@alionafrunza5838]

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

[@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.

[@enesyldzsr]

It's hard to not feel creeped out by the virtual friends idea, but it could legitimately help a lot of people who are lonely

[@deborahnas54]

Indeed, there will be many individuals who can benefit from virtual friends but it will also be a tool to mislead and manipulate people. On a societal level, the impact will be huge and I deem it likely that overall, the impact will be negative.

[@deborahnas54]

So true... virtual friends will be wonderful for a large number of individuals who feel lonely or depressed. But unfortunately, I expect the overall societal impact to be quite negative.

[@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.

[@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 ;-)

[@Stuckallthetime]

I never considered how our age affects our perception of new tech. It's humbling to realize my resistance might just be because I'm getting older, not because the new tech is inherently bad.

[@deborahnas54]

Luckily, your brain has neuroplasticity. It's the brain's capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to new experiences. So when you expose yourself to new things often, you will start thinking differently about them.

[@Stuckallthetime]

@@deborahnas54 That's really good to know, thank you!

[@alextoutaev]

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

[@deborahnas54]

Thank you for the compliment, glad you liked it!