Homo Communicus and AI

AI is that it could address various communication challenges that have caused human sufferings throughout history.

If you’re on a free Medium plan, click here to read.

One of the key skills we have always approached with ambivalence is communication.

We love talking with others — if we are extroverts. Even if we are introverts, we still love expressing ourselves and our thoughts in various ways. Either way, we love the act of communication. Indeed, we can call ourselves Homo communicus, a man of communication.

However, it is also the cause of suffering. We quarrel, fight, and, in the worst situations, kill one another because of communication. Often, we say that if we can communicate rightly and effectively, we can reach mutual understanding and resolve any problems.

Is that so? No, not really.

Oftentimes, it is because of communication that these problems arise. Ironically enough, many divisions and even polarization occur because we communicate with one another. In a way, we “enjoy” such conflicts.

In various surveys of knowledge workers, when asked what the most important skill they want to develop and improve is, communication skills always rank at the top. Consciously or unconsciously, we all dream of becoming excellent communicators.

Yet the situation often seems counterproductive. People go to various social media platforms for their love of communication, and yet the reality is that while we enjoy and appreciate good relationships, these platforms often create echo chambers that amplify divisions, conflicts, and polarization.

Couples love one another and get married, but failed communication can lead to divorce. Even criminal cases like murder sometimes happen due to failed communication, creating unnecessary or unfortunate anger, hatred, and so on. We get angry mostly because of the rude communication styles of others. People resign from jobs because of relationship issues caused by communication failures. People suffer from mental illness for the same reasons.

We love communication, but communication is also the cause of suffering. What an irony!