From Empathy to Innovation: Designing AI with a Human Touch

Erika Anderson

November 4, 2024

This year’s Wisdom 2.0 & AI Summit was markedly different from last year’s when AI anxiety filled the air. The high point, by far, was meeting Tristan Harris, which led me to become a player in the humane technology movement – running a monthly meetup, publishing substacks, and speaking on podcasts.

By contrast, this year felt much more subdued, with an avid interest in exploring the intersection of technology and humanity. Soren Gordhamer, the event MC, repeatedly asked, “How can we invest just as much into humanity and compassion as we are into AI?”

We held this question through each presentation and meditation, asking ourselves internally, “What’s possible here and how can I be a part of it?”

Key Discussions:

A Safer Future for AI: Lessons from Robert Oppenheimer & Dreams of an Open World

With Charles Oppenheimer, Founder of The Oppenheimer Project, and Ash Jogalekar, Scientist, The Oppenheimer Project with Soren Gordhamer

The opening session explored technology's dual-edged potential. Led by Charles Oppenheimer, founder of The Oppenheimer Project, and Ash Jogalekar, a scientist with the same initiative, the talk delved into the parallels between the nuclear arms race and today's AI advancements. Soren Gordhamer poignantly remarked, "We need to take the very best of all that makes us human—compassion, wisdom, mindfulness—and combine these with the best technologies we can invent."

This sentiment underscored the session's central theme: the necessity of integrating human values with technological progress to navigate existential risks. The discussion highlighted the importance of openness and shared security, echoing the lessons learned from post-World War II arms control efforts. Attendees were left with a compelling call to action: to envision and create a world where AI and humanity grow together, fostering a future that prioritizes both innovation and empathy.

Love in an Age of AI

With Yung Pueblo in conversation with Soren Gordhamer

At the intersection of technology and human connection, Yung Pueblo and Soren Gordhamer captivated attendees at Wisdom 2.0 & AI with a profound exploration of love in the age of artificial intelligence. The talk delved into the complexities of emotional awareness and the transformative power of meditation, with Yung Pueblo emphasizing the importance of "responding with gentleness" and the necessity of compassion in our interactions. A standout moment was when Yung Pueblo remarked, "The ego loves attention, but if you are able to deeply feel the truth of impermanence within the framework of the body, it reveals the truth of suffering and the non-self." This insight encapsulates the talk's central theme: the balance between embracing technological advancements and nurturing our inner selves.

The atmosphere was one of introspection and hope, as attendees were encouraged to reflect on their emotional landscapes and the potential for AI to both connect and disconnect us. The session left participants with a call to action: to cultivate wisdom and compassion in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, reminding us that while AI can enhance our lives, the true essence of humanity lies in our ability to love and understand one another deeply.

Using AI in the Criminal Justice System

With Devshi Mehrotra, Co-Founder of JusticeText

Devshi Mehrotra, co-founder of JusticeText, delivered a compelling talk on the transformative role of AI in the criminal justice system. With a focus on empowering public defenders, Mehrotra highlighted the staggering volume of bodycam footage and other digital evidence that defenders must sift through, often under severe time constraints. "Public defenders are superheroes," she noted, emphasizing their crucial role in upholding constitutional rights despite being systematically underfunded and overworked.

Mindfulness Meets Machine: Cultivating Awareness in a World of Disruption

With Soren Gordhamer in conversation with Sunita Mohanty

Soren and Sunita explored the intersection of mindfulness and artificial intelligence. The talk centered on the profound impact AI could have on society, emphasizing the need for balance between technological advancement and human well-being. Soren stated, "The best gift we can give someone is our attention," underscoring the importance of presence and connection in an increasingly digital world. The discussion highlighted the urgency of investing in social-emotional learning for children, advocating for a fraction of AI's trillion-dollar investments to nurture essential human qualities. Sunita, drawing from her experience at Meta, acknowledged the challenges tech leaders face in balancing short-term gains with long-term societal benefits.

Being Human in an Age of Intelligent Machines

With Hans Peter Brondmo, ex-VP of Everyday Robots at Google, in conversation with Soren Gordhamer

Hans Peter Brondmo conversed with Soren Gordhamer about the future of humanity in an age of intelligent machines. Brondmo painted a near-future where AI-powered robots become commonplace, challenging us to reconsider fundamental aspects of human existence. "What does it mean to be human when machines can do things faster, better, cheaper?" he pondered, urging attendees to contemplate the nature of work, fulfillment, and purpose in this new era.

The talk emphasized the need for societal transformation, with Brondmo asserting, "We need new models – societal models. We need to rethink the nature of work." Despite the potential challenges, Brondmo maintained a techno-optimist stance, encouraging a focus on human connection and mindfulness. He concluded with a powerful message: "If we could focus more on our humanity, on being ourselves, on being connected to people around us, on being fundamentally human, we'll bring that energy to the world in a way that will be ultimately necessary to have these conversations."

Who Do You Love More, Your Partner or Your Phone: Relationships in the Digital Age

With Doug & Rachel Abrams, in conversation with Soren Gordhamer + Cecily Mak

The talk, titled "Who Do You Love More, Your Partner or Your Phone? Relationships in the Digital Age," delved into the pervasive influence of technology on our personal connections. A striking quote from the session, "Attention is the smallest measure of love," encapsulated the core message: where we focus our attention reveals our true priorities. Speakers Soren and Cecily explored the concept of "social fitness," emphasizing the critical need for face-to-face interactions to maintain our well-being in an increasingly digital world. They highlighted the alarming decline in social fitness over decades, correlating it with technological advancements like television and smartphones.

The talk concluded with a powerful call to action: to create tech-free zones in our lives, such as during family dinners, to foster genuine human connections. That left attendees with a renewed perspective on balancing digital engagement with nurturing meaningful relationships, a challenge that resonates deeply in today's tech-driven society.

Innovation at a Crossroads: Learning from History to Guide the Future

With Sam Altman and Charles Oppenheimer in conversation with Soren Gordhamer

Sam Altman, Charles Oppenheimer, and Soren Gordhamer delved into the AI era's interplay between innovation and wisdom. The conversation drew analogies between AI's rapid advancements and the historical path of the Manhattan Project, highlighting the significant duty and responsibility accompanying technological progress. Altman pointed out the astonishing speed of AI development, stating, "The rate of technological change...is going to be breathtaking in a way that none of us are prepared for."

The dialogue stressed the importance of aligning technological progress with human values, encouraging AI leaders to build human connections alongside their innovations. Oppenheimer's reflection on his grandfather's time served as a powerful reminder of the perpetual need for collaboration and wisdom. The session inspired attendees to embrace AI's potential while also nurturing humanity's spiritual and emotional dimensions.

Models of Intelligence: Being Human in the Age of AI

With Danielle Krettek Cobb, Chief Advisor to Hume AI + Chief of Design + Intelligence, Ready AI, in conversation with Cecily Mak

Danielle Krettek Cobb delivered a thought-provoking talk on "Models of Intelligence: Being Human in the Age of AI." Drawing from her experiences at Google's Empathy Lab and her journey as a Zen chaplain, Cobb presented a refreshing perspective on AI development. She emphasized the need for an ecological approach to technology, inspired by natural systems and human values. "We're not making products, we're making presences," Cobb asserted, challenging attendees to consider AI through the lens of mutual flourishing rather than mere productivity.

The talk highlighted the importance of integrating cultural wisdom, emotional intelligence, and contemplative traditions into AI development. Cobb shared a compelling example of "EK GPT", an AI model developed in a community-centered hackathon in Hawaii. Trained on Hawaiian cultural wisdom, EK GPT offered a more relational approach to problem-solving, reflecting values like Aloha Spirit and reciprocity. Her invitation to "look more deeply inside" resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and deep listening in the face of rapid technological change.

Designing the Future: AI, Innovation, and Human-Centered Technology

With Tony Fadell, Co-Creator of the iPod and iPhone, in conversation with Soren Gordhamer

Tony Fadell, drawing from his extensive experience in Silicon Valley and beyond, emphasized the importance of responsible innovation and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital world. "We need a LinkedIn for AI agents," Fadell proposed, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in AI development.

The conversation took a critical turn as he discussed the potential pitfalls of large language models, likening them to babies given access to the entire internet with minimal safeguards. Fadell's cautionary stance was balanced with optimism about technology's potential to solve real-world problems, particularly in areas like environmental sustainability and healthcare. He stressed the importance of getting "outside of this bubble and this echo chamber to actually reconnect with humanity, understand real pain, real problems." As AI continues to reshape our world, Fadell's insights serve as a crucial reminder to maintain our humanity and foster genuine connections in the digital age.

Empowering Connection & Wonder in the Age of AI

With Caitlin Krause, Founder, MindWise & Stanford Lecturer

Caitlin Krause explored how we can remain creative and maintain our humanity while integrating AI and technology. She emphasized curiosity as a bridge: "How can we get really curious? Some of the things I do are very physical, you know, they're in person with groups, and some are in digital environments." Krause advocated for "invitation over prescription" when it comes to digital well-being, encouraging people to examine their unique situations and values. She highlighted the importance of matching intention with attention and viewing ourselves as "layered beings" with our physical presence as the primary foundation.

AI & Spirituality: Awakening Human Potential in a Digital Age

With Dr. Deepak Chopra, Founder of The Chopra Foundation, in conversation with Soren Gordhamer

Renowned spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra offered an exploration of consciousness, reality, and human potential in the digital age. Chopra challenged conventional notions of existence, stating "Reality is nothing perceivable or conceivable, but it makes perception and conception possible." Through guided meditations and thought experiments, he invited attendees to experience awareness beyond the physical senses and recognize themselves as "the awareness in which the entire universe is recycling and evolving." Chopra saw AI as an opportunity for humanity to evolve and "upgrade this illusion" to create "a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier and joyful world." The talk culminated in a powerful insight: "You and the universe are awareness." Participants were left with a expanded sense of self and existence, as well as an invitation to carry a deeper presence into their daily lives. As Chopra noted, "If we carry this presence wherever we go, then we are healed. We are already holy.”

Final Thoughts

What I walked away with was the importance of doing as well as being as we approach how to build technology in a way that supports our humanity. How can we be with each other in a way that doesn’t invite self-righteousness but understanding? How can those who fear AI see the benefits, and those who welcome AI see the dangers? How can we join together in one conversation? And how can we support our connections with ourselves, each other, and in nature?

Want to participate in the nascent humane technology movement? Attend a humane tech meetup in the Bay Area or subscribe to my humane tech substack.

Creating this blog with Storytell

This blog summary was put together using Storytell, which helped break down the main insights and themes from the conference into a simple format.

If you want to dive deeper into the conference, I've uploaded a collection of notes, transcripts, and videos to Storytell SmartChat™. You can chat and explore the material there. Check out the links below: