Algorithms, especially those employed by platforms like TikTok, have become extraordinarily addictive, surpassing previous social media algorithms by effectively engaging and 'hacking' users' brains. This addiction spans all age groups, with individuals often unaware of how algorithms manipulate their attention. The advancement of these algorithms, still in their early developmental stages, indicates a fierce competition among platforms to captivate users and maximize time spent online. As a response to this competitive pressure, platforms like Twitter have shifted to more sensational content, further amplifying the cycle of addiction. In contrast, there is a concerning societal trend where constant excitement, often conflated with happiness, fuels anxiety and negative emotions, suggesting a need for boredom as a counterbalance. Our evolutionary biology is ill-prepared for perpetual stimulation, leading to a loss of the capability to endure boredom. This reliance on instant gratification through digital content prevents individuals from experiencing mere moments of stillness, showcasing a critical challenge for the future of human attention and mental health.
If you enjoy hearing about the potential impact of AI on humanity, I recommend you check out my conversation with ex-Google office, Mo Gawdat which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk-nQ7HF6k4
He has shown millions of readers how humans have evolved to where we are now, but what does the future hold for us as a species?
Yuval Noah Harari is a best-selling author, public intellectual and Professor of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is best known for his bestselling books, ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’, ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow’ and ‘21 Lessons for the 21st Century’. His books have sold over 45 Million copies in 65 languages.
In this interview, Steven and Yuval discuss everything from how AI will change everything, the importance of language and stories, why the idea of finding a ‘soulmate’ is a myth, and the ongoing battle for human attention.
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