will gandhi or picasso use this technology as a filter?
One filter I have developed for predicting the impact of a piece of technology is asking whether a social reformer or a humanities person would use it. This approach can provide valuable insights into the technology's lasting value and relevance.
For instance, ask yourself:
1/ How would Gandhi have used the internet in his freedom movement? How might the story of the Salt Satyagraha have changed with the internet?
2/ How would Picasso use generative AI in his art? What kind of prompts would he use to explore this technology?
The value of significant stories and art increases over time, whereas the value of technology often depreciates. For example, the Mona Lisa is more valuable today than it was 100 years ago, but BASIC, an early programming language, is no longer valuable.
For technology to have a lasting impact, it should add “real value” to the work of social reformers and humanities people. By considering how these influential figures might use new technologies, we can better assess their potential.