AI is contrary to happiness, says neuroscientist: 'It steals from us the attention that the people around us deserv
Mobile phones, social networks, artificial intelligence, and technology in general are increasingly reducing human interaction
Antonio Damasio, a prominent neuroscientist, has dedicated himself to understanding the relationship between emotions and happiness. In a recent interview with EFE Salud, he argued that artificial intelligence represents a serious threat to people's happiness. He emphasizes that mobile phones distract our attention and reduce human interaction. This affects our ability to empathize and recognize the needs of others, fundamental aspects for achieving happiness.
“Mobile phones have the power to consume our attention, to make us stop looking at the people around us and being curious about them. It's the opposite of happiness, which is based on recognizing others,” says the director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California and author of the book Natural Intelligence and the Logic of Consciousness (Destino Publishing).
“We spend all day glued to our devices and their apps because, apparently, they make our lives more comfortable. The problem is that we stop paying attention to people and the reality around us. And our happiness depends precisely on that, on empathizing with others,” he emphasizes. complete opposite: on looking at each other and trying to understand one another," the Portuguese researcher asserts.
Connection between emotions and decisions
The scientist has revolutionized the understanding of how emotions influence our decisions. He explains that emotions, far from being primitive, are essential for a rational and balanced functioning of the mind.
Damasio clarifies the distinction between emotions and feelings,This is crucial for understanding their role in human behavior. While emotions are expressed externally,Feelings are internal and private experiences. He believes that the ills plaguing the world today (belligerence, intolerance, and individualism) have much to do with “a deficit of good feelings.” "We live in times of a lack of good feelings toward others, toward understanding others. For the world to function better, we need to strive to cultivate these good feelings, which involve recognizing other human beings, understanding that they are alive, that they have their needs, their rights," Damasio tells EFE. Consciousness as an essential link. The researcher addresses consciousness as a mechanism that unites our physical and emotional states. He considers our ability to connect with other human beings a vital component of well-being. At the same time, he identifies homeostatic feelings as guides that allow us to find balance. Through these, we not only take care of ourselves, but we can also care for the well-being of others.
Perspective on Conscious AI
Finally, Damasio shares his reservations about the possibility of artificial intelligence developing consciousness. He argued that, even if this were to happen, it would lack the emotional foundation that characterizes human experience.
He concludes that, although artificial intelligence can mimic human aspects, its lack of deep feelings distinguishes it from true consciousness and, therefore, from a full understanding of the human world.
Fostering Empathy in the Digital Age
In light of the reflections left by the neuroscientist, it is worth committing to fostering empathy in the digital age, despite the use of mobile devices, so that face-to-face interactions are balanced with conscious technological tools, prioritizing clear boundaries and offline activities.
Use virtual reality to simulate other people's perspectives, fostering emotional understanding from a distance. On social media, promote active listening, genuine questions, and positive content that validates diverse emotions, avoiding superficial interactions. Limits on mobile phone use. Establish screen-free times to cultivate frustration tolerance and emotional regulation in real life, as devices can reduce nonverbal cues essential for empathy. Adults should model this behavior, disconnecting during family meals or walks. Offline activities and games.Role-playing games with costumes or emotion cards help children and adults identify other people's feelings through fun practice. Reflect on hypothetical situations like "Would you like it if this happened to you?" to raise awareness about online harm.