Month: September 2024

According to evolution, humans are becoming increasingly smarter and better able to tackle complicated problems. The human mind has persisted in questioning outdated beliefs and pushing the boundaries of what is considered impossible. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a significant invention of human intelligence. AI was once seen as simply a tool for human work. Recently, the rules of the game have shifted. The line between human and non-human characteristics is becoming less distinct, and artificial intelligence is playing a key role in this transformation.

AI is no longer just operating in the background; it is now taking on tasks that were previously exclusive to humans. Consider this—virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa, AI algorithms selecting our Netflix suggestions, and AI powering our vehicles. We used to view these duties as exclusive to humans. Now, machines are performing those tasks, and at times, they are doing them more effectively than we could have envisioned. The distinction between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred, causing us to reconsider the very definition of being human.

Over the last five years, AI has transformed from a fun gadget to an essential aspect of our everyday lives. AI is now being discussed by a wider audience beyond just tech enthusiasts. AI is employed for communicating with customer service, identifying medical conditions, and producing artwork. Our interaction with the world is evolving as AI becomes increasingly similar to us, or perhaps we are growing more similar to AI. This change is making us ponder the line between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. The previous guidelines no longer appear relevant, which is both thrilling and somewhat unnerving.

The shift is due to a combination of fast technological progress and societal shifts. Machine learning has become more intelligent, computers have become quicker, and there is now more data available. These factors have all come together to bring AI to the forefront. However, improvements in technology are not the only factor that drives this demand for more; people also desire greater convenience, efficiency, and solutions for complex issues. In a fast-paced world, AI provides a means to stay current, perhaps even take the lead. That is why we observe the line between human and non-human beginning to break down. In the futuristic world of cyberpunk, the blurred boundaries between humans and technology make the increasing presence of AI in our daily lives seem like a peek into tomorrow. The boundary is constantly changing, and we are still unsure of its ultimate destination. One thing is certain: the discussion on the essence of humanity has just started.

A significant boundary that has shifted in the past five years, is the boundary between the digital and physical realities, particularly through the rise of the metaverse and virtual reality technology. There was a time before where the physical world was separate from the digital world and people interacted with one another in real life. The only source of technological interactions were limited to screens and traditional media like the news. However, with the advancement of high-technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse, this boundary is blurred. The metaverse is a virtual shared space, merging physical reality with virtual spaces. Companies like Facebook’s and Instagram’s, Meta, are investing in creating virtual worlds where people can interact, work, and socialize as digital avatars, making the digital world feel just as real as the real one. This shift is notable because it is not just about entertainment but it is  reshaping how we work, socialize, and even our understanding of presence and identity. Several factors have driven this shift such as the COVID-19 pandemic with its accelerated  adoption of remote work and online interactions, highlighting the need for more immersive digital environments to replace physical presence. Technological advancements in todays’ society have made these experiences more accessible and realistic. Additionally, cultural shifts towards digital-first lifestyles, driven by Generation Z, have increased demand for more immersive and integrated digital spaces. This shift has extensive implications, not just for how we interact but also for how we perceive identity, privacy, and even reality itself, as the lines between our physical and digital selves become increasingly intertwined. The article listed below is a great read for those who have an interest and want to learn more about the above topic.

The Metaverse: What It Is, Where to Find it, and Who Will Build It: https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-the-metaverse/

“Artificial Intelligence – Resembling Human Brain” by deepakiqlect is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

One established boundary that has notably shifted in the past five years is the right to bodily autonomy, particularly in the context of reproductive rights. This boundary was originally solidified in 1973 with the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which granted women the constitutional right to access abortion under the 14th Amendment. This ruling set a significant precedent, ensuring that women across the United States had the legal right to make decisions about their reproductive health without excessive government interference. In the past five years another court case had dramatically shifted that boundary. Particularly with the Dobbs v Jackson 2022 decision to regulate abortion to individual states. Many states have since then implemented restrictive laws about abortion.  

This decision marked a significant shift in the legal landscape, undoing nearly 50 years of precedent. On a state legislature level, some states have implemented “trigger laws” that immediately banned abortion upon the overturning of Roe. This shift has led to significant changes in healthcare access, with some women having to travel out of state to access abortion services, or facing the prospect of unsafe, illegal procedures, or possible jail time. Socially the shift has influenced the broader cultural discourse around women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and the role of government in personal decisions.  

The Dobbs decision has ignited debates and activism on both sides of the issue, highlighting the contentious nature of abortion rights in the United States. One of the main things that I believe prompted this change is the long-term conservative political strategy, especially in the supreme court.  With abortion rights becoming a key issue dividing liberals and conservatives. The political landscape has enabled more extreme positions to gain traction, influence policy, and votes. Another reason this change occurred could be because of religious influences, with many religious groups advocating for more restrictive abortion laws based on their moral and ethical beliefs. A significant boundary shifted majorly in just under 50 years’ time and in this political climate more boundaries may shift as well.  

Gunner: for lack of better terms is a subgroup of students who are excessively driven in their pursuit of success that they disregard team work, over flaunt their achievements, and hoard opportunities from their peers. No one likes a gunner, but are they really to blame? Are their actions not just a direct response to the overly stimulated and competitive nature of out society? I think it starts with how success and happiness have molded into one entity instead of two different spheres of life.

In recent years, society dropped the idea that success and a happy, healthy life style are distinct aspirations that we should be striving for. Instead of leaving work at the office to spend time with family, the creation of technology has begun to to breakdown that barrier. The average cellphone is so crucial in the shift of work life balances because emails and work calls can now transcend the boundary of the office and invade the privacy of own’s home. In cooperation with technology, social media participates in pushing hustle culture forward by placing stigmas on people do not aspire to live the life of extreme stress and reward. Individuals are allowed to paint certain personas and images on the internet, where only their achievements and successes are shown. Of course, the responsibility of a social media user is to understand that a snippet of one’s life is not their entire story, but when everyone around you shows only success without failure in their life then people begin to feel pressured to achieve the same. As access to technology evolves, so too does academic performance. What was once considered genius is now the norm simply because we are able to use innovations to our advantage. Now we live in a world where great students are below expectation, and exceptional students are just ordinary; therefore, we created the perfect breeding ground for students/workers who believe they must prove their own self worth to a society that deems them worthless. At this point, is happiness even attainable if you are not the first in every aspect of your life? If happiness is an indicator of self worth and society is saying we are worth less, then societal recognitions is the key to happiness, which is also key to success, which is… on and on again.

Our society run on commodity, and it just so happens that our happiness and success are on the market too. Maybe if you work hard your whole life you will get a sale on the price of happiness. Happiness, an aspect that was once seen for its quality and experience, has now been quantified. I said before that I dislike gunners for their inability to cooperate and treasure the meaning to true camaraderie/team work, but I also feel like they are just trying to survive in a cut throat environment. Sad to say, but we live in a world where preying on other’s success will eventually bring you to the happiness we are taught to believe in. A type of happiness that’s not found in a lazy Sunday with your family, but a happiness that fuels the government that will not thank you for your sacrifices.