Virtual connections are great, but the more I hear about AI the more I think it’s time to get our itSMF Local Interest Groups going again. Here’s what Bard thought…
Social capital is the trust, shared norms, and networks of relationships that enable people to cooperate for mutual benefit. It is essential for a healthy society, as it allows people to work together to solve problems, build consensus, and create a sense of community.
AI is unlikely to be able to generate social capital for a number of reasons. First, AI systems are not capable of the same kind of “high touch” experiences that humans crave. They cannot provide physical touch, such as hugs, or the kind of emotional support that comes from face-to-face communication.
In a future with AI, disinformation, and a surveillance economy, the lack of social capital could have a number of negative impacts. For example, AI systems could be used to spread disinformation more effectively, as they could target people with personalized messages that are tailored to their individual biases and vulnerabilities. This could lead to increased polarization and social unrest.
AI systems could be used to create and spread disinformation that is designed to sow discord and distrust among people. This could make it difficult for people to come together to solve problems or make decisions.
The surveillance economy could lead to increased social isolation and a decline in trust in institutions. If people feel like they are constantly being watched, they may be less likely to engage in civic life or form close relationships with others.
Here are some things that we can do to build social capital:
• Get involved in our communities: One of the best ways to build social capital is to get involved in our communities. This could involve volunteering, joining a club or organization, or simply getting to know our neighbors.
• Support local businesses: When we support local businesses, we are not only supporting the economy, but we are also strengthening our communities. Local businesses are more likely to be invested in their communities and to support local causes.
• Be kind to each other: Kindness is contagious. When we are kind to others, it makes them more likely to be kind to us. This creates a positive feedback loop that can help to build social capital.
• Be open-minded: We should be open to meeting new people and learning about different cultures. This helps us to understand each other better and to build bridges between different groups.
By taking these steps, we can help to build social capital and create a more resilient and equitable society.
https://bard.google.com/
Maybe it’s time for some high touch. Why not join the itSMF USA and come see people face-to-face again at the Transformation through Technology conference this October? Or better yet, start (or re-start) a Local Interest Group (LIG)?