Technology, Social Change and Human Behavior

This book looks at the changing continuum that links individuals, communities and society. An outline of Aspirational Algorithms (AA) and Valuable Wearables is presented as tools to shift from an AI culture to the cultivation of Augmented Humanity (AH). The human mindset that is behind the design and use of technology determines the outcomes of technology. If the intended outcome is the common good, then the preceding human aspiration must be geared toward that goal. Only technology that is conceived with the aspiration of a society that lifts individuals to fulfill their potential can be a game-changer for good. Seeing the constant interplay between the four levels of human existence – soul, heart, mind, body, expressed as aspirations, emotions, thoughts and sensations, how technology may serve to systematically sway individuals from inspiration to desire, from informing to the ignition of tangible transformation. This transition is explained in the book along the scale of influence. Two convergent and mutually influencing dynamics are analyzed: first, the influence of values and aspirations on the impact of technology, and second, the influence of technology on the attitude and action of users. Both assess how hardware and software can serve a maximum of people to live a meaningful happy life.

“This book presents evidence that is possible to reach a state of AH if we use our potential for others to achieve our own, and if all the sectors of society come together under a common goal of inclusion, growth, social progress and sustainable development. And the role of technology in this issue will depend on the way we synchronize our aspirations with our technological creations.” (Claudia Andrea Petrone, Applied Research in Quality of Life, Vol. 17 (5), 2022) "Using technology to crush the cycle of greed and inertia and help us achieve a state of ‘Augmented Humanity’ founded in generosity, compassion, honesty and courage is a beautifully hopeful idea. In these anxious and uncertain times, it offers a much needed, enticing and ultimately achievable vision of a new utopia. Reading this book makes you feel better, but it does much more. It takes you on a journey of imagination, from the closed-mindedness of hyper-individualism to the joys of authentic human connection, with self and others. Read it and you will discover more of who you truly are. In doing so you will feel more awake, more purposeful and more alive.” (Gareth Owen OBE, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children UK International, London, UK)
 
"Cornelia Walther’s book arrives at an important time as Covid19 has accelerated the digital transformation of many elements of our society. Using technology to encourage humans to embrace digital technology and use it for social change is a brilliant concept and one that needs to be explored further. Never has the world been more connected and yet strangely at isolated at the same time. The author explores how technology could be used to bring about real social change at a time when a global population is looking for direction.” (John E. Roche, CMC Global Strategy Director, Enablement, SAP Premium Services, New York, USA)

“The truth is that we live in a networked world, interconnected. Thus, the challenge is to ensure that technological advance is at the service of improving people´s quality of life. This is possible if we consider that personal well-being is the result of collective well-being and then no one can achieve their well-being in isolation from what happens in their context. This book invites you to discover how to enhance social change dynamics, and in this sense improve people´s quality of life, using technology overtime to make it sustainable. If you are interested in these topics, you cannot stop reading this new and compelling book by Cornelia Walther.” (Dr Graciela H. Tonon, Director Master of Social Sciences and Center for Research in Social Sciences (CICS-UP), Faculty of Social Sciences,  University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 


“Cornelia Walther takes a refreshingly original look at the relationship between technology and social change, incorporating the Poze methodology, which she developed after working for UNICEF and the World Food Program in a number of countries, including Haiti, Chad, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her latest book is an invaluable tool for promoting tolerance and societal transformation throughout the world.” (Dr Joann Halpern, Director, Hasso Plattner Institute, New York, and Adjunct Professor of International Education, New York University, USA)


“Imagine a world where technology is designed to elevate your consciousness, point you towards your highest self and most noble aspirations.  This is not about the future; this technology is already here, but what intention do we collectively as a species bring to our creations? Our challenge today is to understand that with every choice we make to adapt to new technology, our world is changed. Thus, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that our choices are mindful. This book opens a world of possibilities and poses important questions about who we are and how we can be nudged to interact with technology as it evolves.  It is essential reading for the curious mind and highly recommended for those among us with the power to shape the future of the technology that will shape how we evolve as a species. The author takes us down the rabbit hole of emerging ai technologies and is a must-read for those in the tech sector. Front and center, it is an appeal to A.I. masters to bring mindful intention to their inventions and warns of the consequences ofunregulated “unconscious” technologies masquerading as helpful nudges to keep us fit and healthy or productive and efficient. Humans are notoriously susceptible to nudges. The soft buzz of a fitness tracker when it hits the requisite 10,000 steps stimulates our reward signals in our head and keeps us tethered to technology. The workout selfie posted to our online fans demands an acknowledgement or the warm buzz of a licked ego is skipped. Yet we are still left wanting because subconsciously we do strive toward meaning beyond Pavlov’s conditioned response. And here is where the author points us forward; while we may find easy access to augmented reality, the need is more for an augmented humanity, where technology reminds us of our highest intentions.  Imagine receiving a nudge in the direction of compassion or triggering a soft buzz on your arm to bring you back to the present moment, to consciously acknowledge how the body responds to giving and receiving kindness. With compassion and great intention, the author invites the tech sector and curious readers to set a conscious intention to develop products to serve the greater good. What higher goal can there be for a sector that holds such promise?” (Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative, Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby) 


“The future is uncertain. Nevertheless, with solid theory and a good model, it is possible to peek and discern probable trends. This book provides a superb model that not only does exactly that but also delivers tools and practical ideas to use technology for the betterment of life.” (Enrique Delamonica, Senior Adviser Statistics and Monitoring (Child Poverty and Gender Equality), United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF))

Cornelia C. Walther’s experience combines practice and research. As a humanitarian practitioner she worked for UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) for almost 20 years, operating as the head of communication in large-scale emergencies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. She collaborates as a coach and a researcher with the Center for Humanitarian Leadership, Deakin University, Australia, and as a lecturer with both the Fachhochschule Muenster, Germany, and the University of Law, Aix-Marseille, France. She is part of the network of humanitarian assistance, and holds a Ph.D. in Law. Books published in 2020 include Development, Humanitarian Action and Social Welfare; Humanitarian Work, Social Change and Human Behavior; and Development and Connection in Times of Covid.