Technological Advancement and Its Impact on Human Evolution
Technology’s global fusion and swift evolution have incited a move from biological to intentional development, as per the acclaimed Psychology of Evolution Trilogy and Multimind by Robert Ornstein. The definitive future, radically different from our forebearers’ era, hinges on immediate transcontinental interactions and governance over the Earth’s destiny and our biological progression.
Adapting to Rapid Technological Innovations
Humanity is distinctive. While other species prosper in their native environments, humans have forged a new world encompassing space expedition, nuclear capabilities, and machine intelligence, even though biologically we’ve remained stagnant since the Paleolithic age. In contrast to the relative stability enduring for thousands of years during which we utilized resources without repayment, tech advancement has fostered significant global changes.
From the Industrial Revolution onwards, innovation has sped up. With transitions from coal, to gas, electronics, and nuclear power, culminating in the internet and sustainable energy. Digital technologies spawned profound global modifications.
“The planet had 4.95 billion internet users by 2023, and 7.33 billion people wield mobile phones. It’s projected that by 2025 there will be 38.6 billion devices connected via IoT, and by 2030 this figure will reach 50 billion,” the article declares.
Mental Responses to Rapid Technological Evolution
Despite these advancements, our mind, which seeks constancy and simplicity, remains unaltered. Our cerebrum persistently fabricates a “virtual reality” per the minimal data permeating our senses. “Unconscious routines guide us passively and obliviously along lines of thought and action without our intentional direction,” posits Ornstein.
Preserving a consistent worldview while evolving was crucial for continued existence, but it resulted in cognitive faculties and perceptual tendencies that now shape our actions and behaviours. More vital than food or shelter, our relationships with others are key to our survival.
Ornstein’s impactful book contends that the human mind, in contradiction to widespread assumption, is not singular but multiplex, devised to run multiple programs concurrently.
Deliberate Evolution: An Imperative for Survival
To acclimate ourselves to modern hazards like pollution and overpopulation, we need to deliberately develop our minds and perceptions. “Our inborn ethical conduct evolved over eons to encourage cooperation within our group. The other ingrained propensity to favour our group over others is what we need to comprehend and counter in order to confront the prevailing existential challenges of our international society,” the article adds.
