AI is reshaping the way society operates and how the human beings interact with the surroundings. In coming years, it is going to be a transformative force in the evolution of human existence. Humans born in 20th century can understand the difference between the AI induced changes as they have seen the non-AI world. With the wave of new AI applications, the 21st century generation alpha is facing the impact on their spiritual and social wellbeing.  

Major symptoms of overreliance on AI tools and applications are in the dilution of our ability to think critically and make independent decisions. Instead of factual research or information we tend to rely on the information being provided by Generative AI tools, which may be risky. 

Another subtle change will be that new generation will potentially loose their roots and identity as they rely more and more on machine-based recommendations. This will also loosen their spiritual identity and will create a psychological vacuum as they will not be able to connect with something larger than themselves. Millennials are looking for answers to their mental health issues from AI and finding AI as an alternative to human relationships. But AI can not replicate the depth of human relationships and universe of spiritual space. Genuine human connections, empathetic consideration, romantic shenanigans, and family dramas are core of human experiences, and these cannot be replaced by AI in a genuine way.

We understand that AI is a powerful technology and can have innumerable benefits including healthcare. AI can provide us convenience, assistance, comfort, and entertainment. More than this the foundational necessities of human being are to look out for autonomy, meaning and purpose of their existence, which may be traded as AI becomes more addictive, seductive, and encompassing. Overdependence on AI can have far-reaching consequences, affecting our relationships, our careers, and our overall well-being. We risk losing touch with our inner compass. Introspection and self-discovery skills may become scarce in new generation. 

Sense of Shared Humanity and Dialogue will be key to preserve humanity.

In this AI surcharged world, Dialogue is even more essential for preserving our humanity and learn from each other. Through open and honest communication, we can share our experiences, challenge our perspectives, question our assumptions, and build empathy and trust for one another.  Dialogue allows us to connect on a deeper level, fostering understanding, compassion, and a sense of shared humanity. It is through these connections that we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, even as we navigate the complexities of an AI-infused world. Dialogue can also foster social cohesion, as it enables us to understand and respect diversity, resolve conflicts, and collaborate for the common good. Therefore, we should not let AI take over our dialogue, but rather use it as a tool to enhance and enrich our communication. We should be mindful of how and when we use AI and balance it with human interaction. We should be critical of the advice that AI provides, and not blindly follow it. 

We should engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure its benefits and risks are shared and addressed. AI is not a rival or an enemy of humanity, but a partner and a friend. We can coexist and cooperate with AI, if we maintain our human essence and identity. We can use AI to augment our abilities and improve our lives, but we should not let it diminish our spirituality and sociality. We can dialogue with AI, but we should not forget to dialogue with ourselves and with each other.

This article first appeared in the TOI