Is Technology Killing Creativity?

“The best way to create value in the 21st century is to connect creativity with technology.” —Steve Jobs

There is a debate whether technology is a boon or bane. People have apprehensions that technology will replace creativity. In this regard, we will discuss the pros and cons of technology, creativity, and education.

Currently, people acquire information on a platter from search engines. There is a limited scope to think. Previously people remembered numbers and calculated simple mathematics through the mind without the usage of calculators and technology. Presently people do everything online due to easy and instant access to technology. They hardly think. Will it kill creativity? Will technology overtake humans? Will technology play havoc in the future?

Curiosity is Key to Progress

“We must not be afraid to push boundaries; instead, we should leverage our science and our technology, together with our creativity and our curiosity, to solve the world’s problems.” —Jason Silva

Curiosity is the key to progress. Scientists invented new things because of curiosity. They researched and persisted leading to amazing inventions and bringing comforts to humankind. They treated research as a journey, not a destination. They enjoyed the process of research because of their passion and achieved success because of their persistence.

Research is an enjoyable journey to invent new things for the benefit of humankind. When you want to invent new things, you must ask questions constantly. You must accept the challenges and have the courage to follow your passions and continue on your research with concentration. You must avoid naysayers and negative people. You must surround yourself with like-minded people. You must stay clearly focused on your goals. You must sacrifice your personal time, energy, and money to invent something new for the greater good. When you look at Nobel Laureates, they sacrificed a lot to add value to humankind.

Technology provides easy access to information for researchers who can take away the quality information and convert it into knowledge. It serves as the foundation for further research. So don’t treat technology as an enemy. Instead, treat it as an ally to achieve social good.

 Technology and Education

“One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men.  No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.” —Elbert Hubbard

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. It has made education accessible to all and made it cheaper. Anyone can acquire education from search engines free. Technology has brought several comforts to humans. It saves time, money, energy, and resources. But the rate the technology is moving forward is creating apprehensions that technology can overtake humans. Whatever the speed of technology may it, it cannot replace teachers and creativity. Creativity is a gift for humans. Humans have the power of imagination and adaptability. They are resilient. So, creativity cannot be automated.

Conclusion

“The human spirit must prevail over technology.” —Albert Einstein

You cannot go back to the stone age. You must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and the fourth industrial revolution (FIR). Humans evolved from the stone age to the space age because of the power of imagination and creativity. Technology creates dialogue among researchers and people. It cannot replace creativity. It can complement creativity. Therefore, treat technology as an ally, not an enemy to take forward human civilization in the right direction. To conclude, humans must know how to harness technology for the benefit of humankind.

Written by Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.