Will Technology, Data and Science Change Our Future or Something Else?

In a world inflicted with war and dystopian possibilities of technology and climate change, TEDxJacksonville this past weekend rekindled hope with Human/Nature Conference.

I thought, the conference topic would mean it would be about intersection between technology and environment. But I was reminded that ultimately its about building human connections and embracing diverse patterns & identities in our communities.

Here is my summary version of the take-aways from a brilliant line up of speakers

1. Nadine Salem, Former CIA Analyst talked about how seizing opportunities  to connect with strangers can build discernment and  happiness in unexpected ways. Fleeting interactions can be profound and magical and she reminded us if you look for goodness, you will find it. A Harvard Business study proves high correlation between  relational diversity and happiness. So, next time, you are next to someone you don't know on a flight or in a queue - seize the moment.

1. Refik Anadol's talk (recorded)  on how Generative AI and art can be used to preserve traditional wisdom. His open source project to recreate rain forests that  capture even extinct species of flora and fauna by tapping into memories of ancient tribes in South America seems remarkable!Large language models is just the beginning generating images and sound. We will soon see hyper models that can generate scents, experiences  and universe
2. Caryn Antonini's super engaging talk was about food and what it represents about us as individuals. She quotes French author who says- “tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are” that conveys that food and identity are closely linked.   Food tells a story about your world and identity that is unique in its own way!
3. Neil Moore's take on music and its foundational role in developing our minds. He insisted all humans are, without doubt, profoundly musical beings. I remember saying in my head "not me". But, he really opened my mind. Neil, through his talk talked about how our brains are wired to seek patterns. And music is about patterns. If we can show people how to seek patterns in music will show them keys to learning.Learning music rewires the brain to unlock emotional, psychological and creative benefits. By being open to believing in our musical ability opens us up to a new and exciting possibility to elevate humanity.
4. The audience was awe struck by Alexa Hagerty's revelation about the amount of human data out there and the threat that AI presents to legions of identities. She mentioned the phrase "Luxury surveillance"  we enjoy and pay for services that track our data.Research suggests that it is possible to identify 99.95% of people based on anonymised data sets. So, concept of anonymous data sets is a myth. One company has over 30 Bn data sets of facial images - that’s more than 3 image data sets for every person on the earth. Our world will be shaped by the richest top 10 tech companies of AI and they may have as much power as politicians and  heads of state.
5. Anne Coglianese talked about her mission as Chief Resilience Officer of Jacksonville and using data to predict which regions may be under threat as intensity of climate crisis increases over next two decades.  Jacksonville will likely have 1.5x-2x more precipitation events and more likely to flooding in the next 25 years. So, being prepared is important. Climate change is a real problem globally. Countries and cities worldwide will need a robust approach to act against impending crisis.
6. Colah B. Tawkin, who runs the podcast "Black in the Garden" drew parallels between black culture and planting with the original Gullah Gucchees who were brought to grow rice, grain and cotton. Her passion for leaving a legacy of planting was evident.  Her two cents on what plants teach us was Resilience shown by plants that sometimes even grow through concrete and Patience, that every planter knows they need.
7. Iva Ballou,  facial difference advocate, described her poignant personal journey of multiple medical and social interventions to passionately demonstrate importance of comprehensive and complete cleft care.
8. Dr Greene, Ex-Superintendent of Jacksonville in her compelling talk conveyed why representation matters.As a woman of colour, she shared her inspiring story of becoming the first woman superintendent of Jacksonville. Talked about her experience of why she wanted that despite its various challenges and was driven by her own personal story of sacrifice and strength.She quoted her grandmother saying "Being first is like being a scout in wars. You may get the bullets, but, you will make it safer for those who come behind you."  She became the advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Black women live in the intersection of sexism and racism.  Women of colour live in that space. The hope in continuing to fight for representation is a compelling statistic - when black students have a black teacher for 1 year, they are more likely to take advanced courses and go to college. Representation matters.

Couple of other talks that I couldn't see in person, but can be seen on TEDx Jacksonville YouTube link in a few weeks.

Dr Christi Gendron, talked about aging and demonstrated how cutting edge research on understanding neurology of fire flies could lend some secrets to extending human life. More to be seen on YouTube video that gets posted

Mathew Chang, who demonstrated how Cobots (Collaborative Robots) will be reality of our personal future. It is already getting used in healthcare systems to assist in lifting and shifting of patients freeing up healthcare professionals to do what matters!

By the end, every talk pushed me to think beyond  my beliefs and biases. New possibilities will be created through data, science and technology. Change is happening at an unbelievable pace. But, our future will thrive and be protected only if we proactively seek and build human connections!