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When it comes to some technology, it’s hard to remember how we managed without it. Our smartphones, computers, and even our televisions, which sometimes interrupt and talk to us, have become integral parts of our lives. We’ve mostly embraced or accepted this as a way of life.

However, when it comes to AI, retailers filming us as a 'trial,' social media making it clear that we are the commodity, and technology tracking our movements, it’s logical to have more concerns. Did anyone seek our permission? Would we have given it if they had? Is there a way to opt-out, and how easy would that be? We won’t even delve into the complexities of hacking and that industry.

What about technology and social connections? It occurs to me that no technology can completely replace human beings with our nuances, body language, wisdom, and unspoken understandings. Yet, there are so many people on the planet, and not everyone is skeptical about engaging with technology. Music can trigger the senses in people suffering from dementia. Some people openly engage with inventions and would welcome the possibility of friendship with a robot. What if we found a real reduction in loneliness for some people? There could be many applications.

The tough part is the ethical dilemmas: how new technologies are used, whether people have a choice, and what those options are. These are some of the issues and questions we are set to explore in our upcoming online conference on August 8th – The Australian Loneliness Dialogue: Harnessing Technology to Increase Human Connection. We aim to fully canvass this topic, hear people’s ideas, and provide thought-provoking new information. Noticeably, it’s an invitation to a virtual event to connect with us, but we, along with a whole range of talented folks, will be there to engage with you. There will also be a live robotics demonstration!

 

Patricia Lauria

Friends for Good CEO and Co-Founder

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