I want to take a moment to further explore singularity. More specifically, the idea that the processing power of computers will shortly overtake that of the human brain from which point our existence will be irreparably altered is something to be considered as a future leader and manager. Coincidentally, I was on vacation just before the class started in and a few friends and I were discussing this very topic. I remember thinking that, “Wow! Imagine a world in which we can seamlessly interface with technology, and not only imagine, get ready because it is almost here!” I remember the excitement I felt thinking of the possibilities and the amazement that one day soon, we would be living in a science fiction novel. Other than the brief discussion I had never really ever thought much about the future of technology and had never really taken computing power to its logical conclusion.
Is full seamless integration with humans and technology really a good thing? While the benefits are obvious it is critical for me as a leader and manager to explore the risks associated with certain paths in order to lead more effectively. The cynic in me sees the push for greater processing powers coupled with the push for technology integration beginning with the mobile revolution we are experiencing now will no doubt be used by governments and businesses to further their own power and positions. However, as a business leader and one that is in marketing I can also see this as a wonderful new medium to explore new and exciting touch points with the consumer. As a result of being in marketing I am always mindful of what it feels like to be a consumer and invasions of privacy and stalking have always been very thin lines to walk. Perhaps singularity will eliminate this, or perhaps singularity will not be as elegant as we hope and in fact exacerbate it to an already fatigued consumer. Driving this is the idea that we can personalize advertisements in order to better target your interests and as we move toward singularity the methods used will indeed be imperfect and may cause controversy by the time singularity makes it a working reality. Because even today certain advertisements on my screen are not relevant to me because the reason they were clicked on was for a friend or my wife used my computer. And it is obvious what they are doing, nobody likes to be played the fool and nobody likes to be sold on something but in the same respect I have learned the consumer loves to buy. The critical lesson for me is to manage that balance and lead to a place where the consumer is empowered and doesn’t feel they are being stalked and sold.
But could I be wrong about that? Is the inevitable drift toward seamless integration one that already empowers the consumer enough and that the rest is gravy? Mobile applications have indeed empowered consumers but has the company or government been empowered more? Do rising tides lift all boats or just the yachts? To be honest I see both sides. And that is an assumption I have always held. I believe the world we live in is yin and yang. It is a world that is defined by two sides with one side that is dominant. The ebb and flow of who is in the dominant position can remain for generations or it can oscillate rapidly but the assumption remains that there are only two sides. I see it in protons and electrons all the way to humans and technology.
Singularity by Kurzweil is an exciting introduction to the world of singularity. I see his piece more as a parable than a bona ide future reality: One that serves as a pedagogical tool to explore the technologies we are just beginning to employ. I assume it is not possible for the world he describes to exist. Shangri Las’ are a product of one, not two as my philosophy dictates. Technology will not change that in my opinion. I suppose his story is about the end of duality in the cosmos as it relates to humans; that we can transcend yin and yang and become ‘yiang’. I suppose it is possible and I must challenge my own assumptions about what is possible because if it is I must be ready to lead in that future as well.
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