In a world of increasing Artificial Intelligence, are you missing the human touch? I am. In 1992, Bruce Springsteen penned a song titled “Human Touch”. I suppose he was ahead of his time.
image source; Unsplash by ThisisEngineering RAEng
These days, the human touch seems to be missing, a dreadful consequence of automated life. It’s not that I’m a super social butterfly–in some ways I am the opposite. I prefer to remain in my studio, as many writers and artists do, rather than host a party for example.
Still, despite my propensity to work alone, I am beginning to feel the absence of human interaction while out in the world, going about my life’s chores. For example, I lament the loss of real, live cashiers. You know, the ones who wear their hair in a bun, heavy eyeliner, and snap their gum. They wear a smile in spite of whatever their personal tragedy may be that day. They even ask you how your day is going. Well, they are becoming as extinct as the dinosaur.
Cashiers are being replaced by men in uniforms who check your receipt after you’ve used the automated check-out. Not a pleasant way to bid adieu to a customer, is it?
Even coffee shops which are meant for social interaction are becoming grab and go. The Starbucks close to my apartment closed for renovation recently and I was anxious to see the improvements when they reopened several months later. I was disappointed to find that they had removed most of their tables and chairs, installing a shelf (along the window) for people to stand at while they wait for their order to be called out. What was once a social hub now resembles a public transit stop, where strangers stare into space in silence, waiting. Waiting for their coffee. Soon, Starbucks will install robot baristas to serve the robot customers.
I received email notification that a large online company will now be accepting AI blogs, with certain ‘terms’. Hm, I wonder how you negotiate terms with a robot. What used to be spam will now be legit.
In any case, aren’t we all becoming robots as it is? Glued to our personal devices, while engaging in “social” media; are we actually being social or are we being fed an algorithm based on our clicks? And doesn’t that algorithm get created by a robotic formula? So who is the robot, the one being fed or the one making the formulaic feed?
I’m on a tangent, that’s true. I’m missing the human touch, noticing it slowly dying away as we go about our daily lives, accepting automated systems more and more.
Bruce certainly was onto something although many would argue he was talking about a different kind of human touch. I won’t type his lyrics here for copyright reasons. You can watch the video on youtube, and it’s worth a click.
I think what is even scarier than disappearing humans in services, is the AI ability to write a book, design the cover even. Both with impeccable quality. Now blog writing, too. So, what are we creators doing? Will we also be replaced by robots?
I like to think it would be impossible to mimic the individual artist’s work. The imperfection of the artist, the writer, that makes each work unique–is irreplaceable. In a world full of algorithms and formulas to recreate a world of PERFECTION, I can say for certain that I am with Henry Miller when he reflects on imperfect expression vs. perfect expression:
“…when you show me a man who expresses himself perfectly I will not say that he is not great, but I will say that I am unattracted… When I reflect that the task which the artist implicitly sets himself is to overthrow existing values, to make of the chaos about him an order which is his own… then it is that I run with joy to the great and imperfect ones, their confusion nourishes me, their stuttering is like divine music to my ears.”
Henry Miller
Although these robots are kind of cute. I still choose humans.
image source; Unsplash by Eric Krull
So, when I go to the bank and I’m asked why I don’t use the ATM machine, I answer “I feel like talking to a human today.” They look surprised and smile because they thought they were going to have to show me how the ATM works. Imagine that!
When I go to check out a library book and I’m asked if I’d prefer to use the self check out, I answer, “No, I prefer to talk to you.” Besides, don’t you want to keep your job from becoming obsolete?
I like people who love books so librarians are exactly my kind of people. In fact when I see that he (the librarian) is better dressed than I am and wears eye shadow in a fetching way, I’m even more interested.
Even if the cashiers who snap their gum and smile in spite of their hardships are going the way of the dodo bird, I haven’t forgotten them. And I still choose them over a computerized check out.
Listen, technology and express self-checkouts have their purpose. I just don’t want to see our whole world automated. The thought of having no choice between machine or human scares me, quite frankly. Last, I know for sure I would prefer a book written by a human over one written by a robot.
Always appreciating a bit of human touch, here in the 21st century. Call me old-fashioned, it doesn’t bother me a bit. On the other hand, maybe I’ll hire a robot to write my blog. Just give it an idea and it can run with it. Apparently, they’re getting pretty good…
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Marysa
October 13, 2023 at 6:38 pmIt is so true that technology and AI have changed things. We need that human connection!
lisa
October 17, 2023 at 9:48 amSo true, Marysa 🙂
Rina Slusnyte
April 19, 2023 at 4:59 pmI couldn’t agree more with your insightful article on the importance of the human touch in a world that’s rapidly becoming dominated by AI.
It’s true that AI and other forms of technology have revolutionized the way we live and work, but we must not forget that the human element is still essential to building meaningful relationships, create content.
In a world where customers are bombarded with automated responses and chatbots,
a personal touch can make all the difference.
As you rightly pointed out, taking the time to understand a customer’s needs and offering a tailored solution can lead to increased loyalty and brand advocacy.
Your article also highlighted the importance of empathy, which is something that can’t be replicated by machines.
The ability to connect with others on an emotional level is a uniquely human trait, and it’s something that customers crave in their interactions with businesses.
Thank you for reminding us of the importance of the human touch, and for sharing your wisdom on how we can incorporate it into our businesses.
Chrys Fey
April 2, 2023 at 5:18 pmI don’t mind self-checkout, being an introvert and awkward and all, but coffee shops should have tables. That’s the charm of coffee shops. Sit and work. Sit and relax. Sit and mingle.
I definitely don’t want robots to be writing blog posts or books. I know a lot of AI art that’s been going around has come from stolen images online, so I can only imagine how these robots will write their content and stories. All I can think is that legitimate (human) bloggers and authors will be plagiarized left and right by these robots, and how can we get justice from them? We can’t sue a robot, and suing the company would probably cost a fortune and be a losing battle. Unless authors/writers/bloggers everywhere banned together.
lisa
April 3, 2023 at 6:31 amHey Chrys, great to see you. I agree about the coffee shops. Definitely lose their atmosphere without the seating! Might as well be a drive thru 😛
As writers, it is a threatening trend. When I saw on the news the first children’s book written by a robot I couldn’t believe it and the scary part was how good it was.
I hadn’t even thought about plagiarism. For those who are feeding the robot (and they have to be fed a plot and other details) it would be easy for them to steal written work and put it into the machine which will then spit out something similar but not identical. SCARY thought. And who will benefit financially from this? Someone will…I’m thinking the big publishers and sellers…it’s hard enough being a writer without robots entering the scene!
You’re right that suing would be a losing battle against a big company (barring a class action, I suppose). Time will tell. I am of the belief that a robot cannot substitute for the creative, human mind especially when it comes to stories, fiction and poetry. Hopefully I am not wrong.
Ali
February 23, 2023 at 9:28 pmIt seems quite inevitable. AIs are really pushing the boundaries. Especially for content creation where there is an AI for any type of content you may want to create. And now there is this thing called metaverse that wants us to live completely in our imagination.
lisa
April 3, 2023 at 6:34 amYes, and I bet we don’t even know the half of what is going on. Metaverse? Well, you have brought a whole new subtopic here, Ali. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mabel Kwong
January 31, 2023 at 1:13 amA highly topical topic, Lisa. AI seems to be everywhere as technology advances and evolves. Certainly there are upside to this, like our lives becoming more efficient and perhaps things like travel will get more comfortable and much faster. But then there’s another side to AI – the fact that it can make humans replaceable and that in the end, we ourselves become bit like robots when we let things like algorithms dictate what we post on social media. Paper concert tickets, menus and even train ride passes in so many parts of the world have been replaced digitally or by a machine – less human interactions as we go about our lives. Definitely think genuine human interaction in person these days is very special.
I do like the self-checkouts, though. I enjoy packing my groceries neatly in my bags, sort of like a game of tetris and seeing how neat I can stack everything.
lisa
January 31, 2023 at 3:26 pmExactly, true, Mabel. We are already being replaced by robots. My husband suggested I send a sketch to a robot and have it design my book cover. Ha! Maybe I will, just to see what it comes back with. I have gotten used to packing my own groceries since they stopped doing that during Covid. It takes longer. Now that the cashiers are back to packing groceries, I’m watching and thinking “I wouldn’t put that there”…or “that’s going to squish the bread.” I did not pay attention to those things before LOL.
I think it is dangerous to lose human interaction-especially the in-person kind. Nice to hear from you Mabel, as always.
Balroop Singh
January 26, 2023 at 10:40 pmSadly, AI is taking over but humans are responsible for diminishing human touch. It started with smart phones, texting and emojis. The pleasure of writing and receiving letters drowned in the swamp of texting. I hope more people realize where we are heading with loss of human connections. Thanks for sharing this excellent post Lisa.
lisa
January 27, 2023 at 9:06 amSo true, Balroop. Our ‘personal devices’ have replaced in person communications. Covid made that more so. Even the simplest interaction between humans are being obliterated by machines 🙁 My new slogan will be “choose humans” It used to be “choose joy” 😀 Nice to see you, Balroop!
Marie Kléber
January 24, 2023 at 6:44 amI do miss human contact these days Lisa. More and more robots are put into place and we have less and less choice to be in touch with human beings. I try as much as I can to avoid them but sometimes it’s not even possible, like at the post office. That’s why when possible, I choose the small post where I know I will talk to somebody and I feel it’s good for me and for them as well. And it shows the world that human touch is not something we can live without.
Technology is good in a way but too much technology is making our lives unconfortable.
As for social media, apps and phones, it’s the beginning of the end!! Cards are out of date and phone calls seem too. You even learn about death and birth by text message. It’s kind of sad
Thanks God, some people are still feeling the same way as I do, which means there’s still hope!!!
Take care Lisa
XOXO
lisa
January 24, 2023 at 9:44 amAutomated post office, that’s something we don’t have here. I’m sure we will soon though. I would do the same and go to the human operated PO. Exactly and I hate to see all of these human jobs filled by machines. Yes, social media and phones are the remaining communication tools. Very sad that we have to find out about a good friend’s death on facebook feed (that’s how I learned of about a friend of mine). It is devastating. As long as we’re still here, Marie, there’s hope 😀 HUGS.
Kevin Douglas Shaw
January 22, 2023 at 11:59 am“Alexia, is Lisa’s blog post written by AI or by Lisa herself?” ….reply “Lisa’s most recent blog post has an 87% probability of being written by a human” — ok that’s a relief!! You had me worried. Seriously, yes – I agree, sadly, we are losing some of connective tissue, especially in our local neighborhoods.
lisa
January 23, 2023 at 10:20 amLOL. 87% isn’t a bad score on the robot-meter. Yes, it seems that way to me. Some of it is lack of common sense, I think. Starbucks removing tables and chairs…taking away customer’s ability to sit and talk with a friend over coffee.
Tamara
January 21, 2023 at 7:57 pmSome of it scares me a lot (like in all the movies) but part of it is kinda laughable and I don’t think humans are that replaceable in real life.
That said, I’m an ambivert so I do like talking to people but I also prefer self checkout. Also, there are also several people running self checkout as well to make sure the robot voices pipe down, and to make sure you’re ok.
lisa
January 23, 2023 at 10:18 amI think we make a good science fiction movie for the 70’s.
Not yet, they’re not 😛
Tamara, you have taught me a new word. I had to look up ‘ambivert’. Glad I did because I believe that describes me, too.
You’re right that most places have at least one person who oversees and helps. Apparently, if you miss an item being scanned, you can be charged with shoplifting (I suppose that is why the security check at the door). I agree they can be convenient at certain instances though.
DGKaye
January 21, 2023 at 12:42 pmI couldn’t agree more. And just ask this new widow what’s it’s like to receive an actual condolence from my own sister BY TEXT. I think texting is extremely impersonal. I think it got abused by becoming a phone zombie. Texting is convenient for letting someone know a message, like, ‘running late’, ‘what time are you coming?’, – you get the gist. I don’t enjoy reading conversations that are better suited for a damn phone call. The human touch is sorely lacking in my life for sure. All I see everywhere I go are digital zombies with their phone appendages. Human contact is a rare commodity. 🙁 <3
lisa
January 21, 2023 at 5:12 pmOh, my goodness!! Deb, that is incredibly insensitive (and that’s putting it lightly). Texting is a lazy default and overused. I think people have forgotten basic considerations for fellow humans. My God! That makes me so mad and it’s triggering for me to hear this because that’s how I was informed that my sister passed away. Seriously?! What are people thinking when they do this. Is it a way to inflict more pain?
Sorry, on a rant there.
Yup, we are now the robots and the media platform the robot feeders. I agree, Deb. <3
La Contessa
January 20, 2023 at 8:25 pmAGREE Totally!!
I will NOT do the check out self service!
I HATE IT!
I enjoy talking to the cashiers!!!!!
Some days that is my OnLY interaction with others!!!
I heard today a Starbucks is $6.00?
How fucking ridiculous for a glass of muddy water!!!!
Xoxo
lisa
January 21, 2023 at 9:39 amIt’s so annoying and the machine talks to you very loudly (it does not ask you how your day is). It makes you skip a bunch of steps unless you agree to give it your email address! Starbucks is a rip. I don’t go there. Although I do like the smell of their coffee while I’m browsing books (they are inside the same building). What a shame they have turned their cafe into a takeout.
Muddy water, exactly, and it doesn’t come in a glass but a paper cup you pay extra for.
Xoxo
Jeff
January 20, 2023 at 11:04 amFirst it was the drive-thru… And with AI, it is scary to see where we are heading. If I want to be alone, I go into the wilderness! And I wonder how I can keep from feeding AI’s brain…
lisa
January 20, 2023 at 4:26 pmExactly, Jeff. The wilderness is the only place to go for privacy! Our phones… they know 😘