Alone, Together: How Technology Separates Us | Henry Williams | TEDxTheMastersSchool

Henry Williams notes that we live in a world that is saturated with a web of connected devices. Although the internet purports to keep us in closer contact, he adds, technology is actually pulling us apart, putting up barriers in social circles that keep us in our own separate digital worlds. Henry’s talk will argue that fundamentally, our technology status quo is manipulating our psychology, fracturing our culture, and making us-young people especially-profoundly unhappy. Despite this crisis, he says, there are reasons for optimism: that technology is becoming more "human," that the world of internet subcultures can nurture the lonely, and that we will someday be able to define healthy digital identities. If we are wise in our journey to the future, we can craft a world where we are brought together by our "black mirrors" more than we are torn apart. A 17-year-old senior from New York, Henry Williams is one of the editors-in-chief of Tower, the School newspaper; a co-president of the Model United Nations club, and is currently working on a senior thesis to analyze social patterns through machine learning. Henry will be attending Columbia University in the fall to study computer science, math and physics, and he hopes to help contribute to the field of artificial intelligence and social transformation through technology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@avalonjustin]

Fantastic presentation! Certainly provides food for thought.

[@steveleeart]

As of 2022, there is now over 500 hours of video uploaded to RUclips every minute, which equates to over 30,000 hours of content uploaded every hour, of every day.

[@uniqfox]

the greedy, scamsters, fakers, corrupt all got on and screwed it up in a manner of moments. it was good while it lasted prior to when it became so prolific

[@hippityhopp4227]

I want positive recognition. I just want to be included and looked up to. I want to be an inspiration. I want to be the person everyone likes.

[@Ethereality776]

Same I’m 15

[@frozenrats]

Everyone does. If you want to achieve it just be kind and be yourself. Its really that simple

[@apollozeusg-lg9ev]

It starts with practicing affirmation and self-validation. This might sound cringe, but telling yourself you're beautiful, worthy of great things, etc. in the mirror a couple times a day can help. Everyone wants positive recognition, to be included, looked up to, someone who inspires. But that's outside stuff. The real work of self-confidence starts within. That's more valuable than likes or followers will ever give you. Once you do that, people will naturally gravitate toward you :)

[@hippityhopp4227]

thanks babes@@apollozeusg-lg9ev

[@Ethereality776]

Needed this for my gr 10 essay lol 😂 thanks

[@Shi7ani]

me too😉

[@wpscz]

😂

[@KarissaShope]

I also used it for a school project, thanks Henry.

[@edyram22]

Well, now this hits a bit, weird.

[@ianangelo5953]

Pakopya nalang ako ng reaction paper niyo dito😁

[@Betsyboo1883]

This is brilliant

[@stevegarrk]

Three Thumbs Up. Well done and insightful. An important topic.

[@letsreview2980]

How do i contact this man?
I have the same thoughts and I have the will to change it.

[@littleflags]

look at The Gravel Institute

[@imashashehani5815]

wow. What a speaker

[@JohnBrown722so]

People don't even direct communication

[@KarissaShope]

That was a wonderful speech! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@JL-jh6zn]

Chief of Staff for Mike Gravel!

[@lisaleartiste]

👏👏👏👏👏👏this is ture all of it because he has evidence

[@kenc6569]

This is just another "technology bad" rant. Reminds of those parents who blame video games for violence

[@frozenrats]

Quite the opposite. Did you even watch the video?

[@apollozeusg-lg9ev]

It's not about that, it's about the ways we use technology that are bad, because it's gotten so much more complex than kids spending hours on video games. People who wrote code and were in charge of development for Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc. have come out in recent years saying how they wrote the tech to be helpful, and no one ever imagined kids would be using likes for validation or that algorithms would be weaponized for extremism. In that sense, there needs to be safeguards because it demonstrably changes our behavior and kids are most vulnerable to having their unchecked passion exploited. We just need to be more conscious and aware of how we're using tech and who we're giving it to.