The Automation Paradox

As I sit here writing this, it is so tempting to go to an AI tool and have it write the article for me. I am swamped with work and behind on most things. But I am fearful.

Of the automation paradox.

The automation paradox is the counterintuitive logic that the more we outsource abilities, the less skilled we get at it.

London mandates that cab drivers memorise every possible route and landmark before passing their test. Tests have shown a marked increase in the area of the brain responsible for navigation.

Much like our muscles, this is a case for use it or lose it.

But automation has been on the rise for several centuries. I know it is fashionable to talk about machines today. But mechanization has been ongoing for centuries.

Each time a machine replaced us, we lost the ability. Telling time by looking at the sun, for example.

So why does all of this matter?

The human body has two competing forces. Development and rest. You need both. To learn new skills, capacities and abilities and find an easier way to do something and to rest.

On the whole, killing a tiger with a bow and arrow is easier than with your bare hands.

But then, there are skills that we ought not to lose.

Skills that are vital to the long term survival of the human race.

The ability to see patterns and discover things. The ability to reason. The ability to communicate.

These are species that allowed our species to survive.

But mechanization is seductive. It makes things seem easy. Why spend hours researching and learning something, when the click of a button can do it for you.

It is a difficult conundrum.

In some ways, the most basic of arguments. Take a pill or work hard to be healthy.

I find myself increasingly leaning toward hard work. You?

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain