Technology has become an integral part of our lives, but recent high-profile tech outages have shed light on our over-reliance on seamless technological functionality. These incidents have highlighted the fragility of our tech-dependent systems, calling for a systematic balance between embracing innovation and maintaining resilience against technological disruptions. This is where harnessing hybrid resilience comes into play.
The Argument for Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems, which integrate both digital and analog elements, have proven successful across various sectors. Examples include healthcare institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic, transportation hubs like Changi Airport and Lufthansa Airlines, financial giants like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, retail leaders such as Walmart and Target, as well as prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford, and e-Government Systems in Estonia and Singapore. These systems have shown that a combination of digital and traditional approaches can ensure continuity and resilience even when technological components fail.
Preserving Human Agency in an AI-Driven World
As we continue to integrate AI into our decision-making processes, it is essential to preserve human agency and meaningful human control. Blindly embracing cutting-edge technology without understanding its potential downsides can have troubling consequences. Thus, it is crucial to harness AI as an ally, transforming it from a potential threat to an invaluable tool that enhances our decision-making capabilities.
Implementing Systematic Guardrails
Resilience against technological failures requires systematic guardrails. Organizations need to develop and enforce standards for system redundancy, ensure that employees are prepared to operate without full technological support when necessary, conduct regular stress tests, and maintain a workforce with a blend of digital and traditional skills to ensure operational continuity during disruptions.
Embracing AGENCY in a Tech-Driven World
To navigate the complexities of the tech-driven world, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to embrace AGENCY:
– Regularly assess tech dependencies
– Develop backup plans for critical systems
– Educate oneself and one’s team on manual processes
– Navigate between digital and analog solutions flexibly
– Cultivate a culture of resilience in the organization
– Exercise caution when adopting cutting-edge technologies
By adhering to these principles, we can build a more robust and resilient approach to technology use, ensuring continuity and stability in the face of technological disruptions. The goal is not about humans versus AI, but about forging a symbiotic relationship in which technology enhances rather than eclipses human potential.
If you are interested in the topic of Agency Amid AI, please refer to my previous articles in this series:
– Harnessing Human Intelligence In An AI-Driven World
– How Can AI Compensate For Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Should you have any comments or ideas, please contact me via LinkedIn. Thank you.