High Tech To High Touch

“Nothing vast enters the life of mortals without a curse.”

In the pursuit of leadership and self-discovery, how does the presence of technology pose challenges or opportunities along the way?

Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright, was known for his tragic plays that explored the complexities of human nature and the consequences of actions. In the quote stated above, Sophocles acknowledges the inherent duality of life, emphasizing that profound or significant occurrences rarely take place without some form of negative impact or consequence.

The phrase “enters the life of mortals” recognizes that these experiences, whether they be personal achievements, societal changes, or any significant event, are part of the human condition.

Sophocles’ quote was used right at the beginning of the documentary movie called The Social Dilemma. The reason is that this documentary intended to deliver the perspective of those who worked at the top digital platforms, from Google to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The intent was to express their views on how technology and social media have taken over the minds of millions. This documentary was nothing short of eye-opening and relatable, to say the least.

Even the CEO of Social Capital, Chamath Palihapitiya had a lot to say, “We curate our lives around this perceived sense of perfection because we get rewarded in these short-term signals: hearts, likes, thumbs up and we conflate that with value and we conflate it with truth. And instead, what it is, is fake brittle popularity that’s short term and that leaves you even more, and admit it, vacant and empty before you did it. Because that enforces you into a vicious cycle where you’re like what’s the next thing that I need to do now, because I need it back. Think about that compounded by two billion people and then think about how then people react to the perceptions of others.”

The internet is a lonely place for millions of people to stick around on social media for hours until they feel a sense of fake fulfillment.

Sensing the transformative urgency from High Tech to High Touch

This is where High Tech to High Touch becomes an essential aspect to focus upon in this modern world.

“Social Media is training us to compare our lives instead of appreciating everything we are. No wonder everyone is always depressed.”

~Bill Murray

In our fast-paced, technologically advanced world, the concept of “High Tech to High Touch” has become increasingly relevant. It addresses the phenomenon of how we have allowed technology to permeate almost every aspect of our lives, often at the expense of genuine human connection and our overall well-being.

As we immerse ourselves in the virtual realm, we risk losing touch with the richness of the real world and the depth of our personal experiences. This concept raises important questions about the impact of technology on our lives and emphasizes the need for balance, introspection, and connection with our spiritual selves.

The documentary movie “The Social Dilemma” sheds light on the dark side of our digital age. It explores how social media platforms and tech companies have leveraged sophisticated algorithms and persuasive techniques to manipulate our behavior, capture our attention, and keep us hooked to their platforms. The film portrays how our lives have become increasingly influenced by online interactions, leading to issues such as addiction, mental health concerns, and the erosion of our privacy.

While technology has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, it has also created a disconnection from our surroundings, relationships, and ourselves. We have become consumed by the virtual, the superficial, and the constant need for validation through likes, comments, and followers.

The question is – Are leaders among the highest positions in their organizations also impermeable to this dilemma?

Leaders, like anyone else, can be impacted by the addictive nature of social media, the need for validation through likes and engagement, and the temptation to prioritize popularity over sound decision-making. Additionally, the speed and spread of information on social media platforms can create challenges in verifying and analyzing data, leading to potential misinterpretations or misinformation influencing leaders’ perspectives.

However, it’s worth noting that leaders in high positions often have access to resources, teams, and advisors that can help them navigate these challenges. They can employ strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of the social dilemma, such as cultivating critical thinking skills, promoting diverse perspectives, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and setting clear boundaries for their own social media use.

That said, adopting the concept of “High Tech to High Touch” is also an impactful way that suggests the need to reclaim their balance by enhancing our Spiritual Quotient (SiQ).

SiQ refers to our ability to connect with our inner selves, explore our values, find purpose, and cultivate the leader within us. However, we must learn to navigate our emotions, senses, and ambitions around the tempestuous seas of technology.

By embracing our SiQ, leaders can learn to counterbalance the pervasive influence of technology and regain a sense of control over our lives.

I came across this poem written by A. Thomas Hawkins. A profound insight into what one can expect from Technology. While technology is not entirely pervasive, we must learn not to overuse it so as to rob our very existence from reality.

Technology bad

Time for some originality methinks

this copy paste world of ours, well it stinks

sincerity became a thing of the past

as people got lazy and obsessed with fast

No time for honesty bout the way that you feel

originality gone at the turn of a wheel

a right click here and a left click there

and we use others’ words to show that we care

Well enough of being lazy and thoughtless I say

Let’s go back and do things the old-fashioned way

Where you said what you meant