Head of HR @ Nexera Foundation | Global HR Leader| L&D and Talent management | MIT-certified
When Technology Disconnects Us: A Cautionary Reflection on the Rising Role of AI in Our Lives Over the past week, the tragic news of a 14-year-old boy in the U.S. taking his life after intense interactions with a chatbot has shaken people worldwide. In the aftermath, many voices quickly pointed fingers at AI and technology, but is the fault truly with technology alone? To me, the root issue goes far deeper, reflecting the troubling path society seems to be headed. Technology should enhance our lives, support us, and provide tools to make things better—not replace genuine human interaction. Yet, somehow, we’ve arrived at an era where tech is replacing the fundamental social connections that define our humanity. The dystopian visions in shows like Black Mirror are no longer fictional warnings; they’re playing out in real time. Look around in public spaces: people glued to screens, families sitting together in silence as each person is absorbed in their own digital world. Children are increasingly diagnosed with social anxiety, ADHD, and other developmental issues because they’re growing up with fewer face-to-face interactions. We often see even the youngest toddlers entertained by tablets instead of parents or caregivers, who are caught up in their own virtual lives. Where does this lead us? I believe it's time to pause and question: are we building a world where technology serves our needs, or one where it increasingly isolates us? The future doesn’t have to be one of disconnection—but only if we consciously choose a different path. Let’s prioritize real conversations, real relationships, and foster an environment where technology complements, rather than replaces, the human connections that truly enrich our lives.
