In the future, will technology win or will humanity win?

Sinan Canan, founder of Açıkbeyin, made the following assessment regarding whether technology or humanity will be the winner in the future:

“Being invited to this meeting is significant in itself, because I always talk about humanity. My field is actually concerned with how we, as individuals, can live more correctly in this world. Here, you’ll see we’re talking about technology, finance, things that seem somewhat outside of our control, but there’s a truth we often forget, though thankfully not forgotten here: everything is done for humanity, and whoever does it, does it. We are the ones who make the decisions, direct, manage, open, and close. Therefore, discussing these kinds of technologies and trying to predict their trajectory without understanding humanity leaves us largely incomplete. And the issue I’m working on has an advantage: I’m trying to remind people of the problems caused by certain human settings that have remained almost unchanged for hundreds of thousands of years.” Especially in this hyper-technological age, since our biological and mental settings haven’t changed much, we experience more adaptation problems as our environment changes so rapidly. Therefore, I believe that if we can recognize these adaptation problems and manage our lives, behaviors, even our work and family life, with small adjustments, we can do everything much better. But my greatest hope is this: I hope someone will be as interested as I am in the factory settings of humans, our biology, biopsychology, and evolution, so that when producing technology, developing methods, and offering something to people, we will have the chance to produce and think about things that are a little more suitable for humanity. Because unfortunately, a very large part of the technology we produce now is not compatible with humanity but with capital, aimed at high and rapid profit, and unfortunately, is produced at the center of exploiting human weaknesses. I have a naive belief that we can change this course.

Humanity and Technology: A Search for Balance

Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives today. However, it is crucial not to disregard the human factor in this rapid process of change and development. While technology is developed to make human life easier and offer a more livable world, it often serves the needs of capital rather than humanity. This can create incompatibilities with the biological and psychological structure of humans. In this article, we will focus on how we can establish a balance between humans and technology. We will address topics such as the unchanging aspects of human nature, the effects of technology on humans, and ways to minimize these effects.

The Unchanging Nature of Humanity

Humans have not undergone significant biological and psychological changes for thousands of years. In the evolutionary process, basic needs such as survival and reproduction have been the main factors shaping human behavior. However, in the modern world, these needs manifest themselves in different ways. While technology offers new ways to meet these basic needs, it also leads to new adaptation problems.

The Effects of Technology on Humans

Technology, while making our lives easier, also creates various effects on human psychology. Social media, with its rapid flow of information and constant connectivity, can negatively impact mental health. Furthermore, the opportunities offered by technology can lead to a departure from the natural life cycle. This can increase stress levels and weaken social relationships.

Adaptation Problems and Solutions

The rapid development of technology can create incompatibilities with the biological and psychological structure of humans. To minimize these incompatibilities, it is important for individuals to review their lives and behaviors. With small adjustments, it is possible to live a life more in harmony with technology. For example, methods such as digital detox practices, limiting social media use, or spending more time in nature can reduce these adaptation problems.

Producing Human-Centered Technology

Considering the human factor in technology production can offer more sustainable and human-centered solutions. Technology developers should design products and services taking into account the biological and psychological needs of humans. This approach can increase the well-being of both individuals and societies.

The Relationship Between Capital and Humanity

Today, a large part of technology serves the needs of capital. This situation has the potential to exploit human weaknesses. However, the production of technology suited to human needs can change this situation. When technology is developed to serve human needs, a more just and balanced world may be possible.

Hopes for the Future

Producing technology while considering the biological and psychological structure of humans can offer a more harmonious life in the future. This can increase the well-being of both individuals and societies. Making technology suitable for humans has the potential to create a more sustainable and equitable world. Therefore, it is of great importance not to disregard the human factor in technology production.