Making Sense of It All: How Our Trust in Tech Shapes Our Choices

In our last book hour with Grit there was a discussion around the use of technology in our day to lives. This got me thinking about how much I use technology to help me make decisions blindly. This might be just by looking at my smart watch to tell me if I am ready for a work out, it might be looking at the LinkedIn suggestions for jobs, or even the simple act of following recommendations that YouTube provides me. This is the premise of this weeks newsletter. I hope you enjoy it, learn from it and find the exercises at the end useful.

Let's Get Into It

Ever notice how we often take the easy route in decision-making? It happens more than we think, and one sneaky culprit is what experts call "automation bias." Yep, that tendency to trust tech without giving it a second thought. This trust can seriously affect our lives, so let's dive into the science behind it, check out some real-life examples, and figure out how to be a bit savvier about it.

Getting to the Nitty-Gritty: Why We Trust Tech So Much

So, why do we automatically trust our gadgets and gizmos? Well, it's all about our brains being wired to save energy. We love quick fixes, and that's where heuristics come in—our mental shortcuts that help us dodge complicated problems. Automation, promising efficiency, becomes our go-to, sparing us from the brain strain of overthinking.

And then there's our love affair with technology. The more tech becomes a part of our everyday, the more we trust it. It's like this unspoken deal where we expect our devices to be infallible. After all, they've been pretty consistent so far, right?

Mix in confirmation bias, our tendency to seek info that confirms what we already believe, and voilà, we've got a perfect recipe for automation bias. Our gadgets make things easy and familiar, and our brains lap it up like a cat with cream.

Ever notice how automated systems seem objective? That's the trick—they lack human emotions and subjectivity. It's like they're these impartial judges. But here's the kicker: we might overlook the biases baked into their programming. We're fooled into thinking they're unbiased, which makes us trust them even more.

Now, let's talk about loss aversion. We hate making decisions that might lead to losses. Enter automated systems promising to minimise errors. We're all in because, hey, who wants to mess up and suffer the consequences? It's like having a safety net for our choices.

So, understanding this helps us see why automation bias is a thing. Now, let's look at some everyday situations where it plays out.

Everyday Examples of Automation Bias:

1. Lost with GPS: Ever blindly followed your GPS, even when you knew a shortcut? That's automation bias at play, making us trust the machine more than our own instincts.
2. Stock Market Rollercoaster: Automated trading systems can make markets go wild. Traders might follow them without thinking about what's really going on, contributing to market chaos.
3. Health App Overload: Those health apps tracking your every move? They're cool, but don't forget to trust your body and maybe get some professional advice instead of blindly relying on the tech.
4. Autonomous Cars, Not Mind Readers: Self-driving cars are cool, but they're not mind readers. Relying too much on them can make us complacent when we need to step in.
5. Job Hunting by Algorithm: Automated hiring systems might seem fair, but they can carry biases. Relying solely on them could mean missing out on diverse talent.

Being Smart About It: Overcoming Automation Bias:

1. Learn and Question: Education is key. Learn about automation bias and question what your tech is telling you. Trust your instincts too.
2. Mix It Up: Don't put all your eggs in the tech basket. Mix in some human input to get a well-rounded perspective.
3. Update and Evaluate: Tech's not perfect. Keep those algorithms updated and evaluate them regularly to weed out biases. It's like giving your tech a check-up.
4. Think for Yourself: Be a critical thinker. Don't just follow the tech blindly. Your brain is a powerful tool—use it!
5. Backup Plans: Tech glitches happen. Have a backup plan or fail-safe for when your gadgets hit a snag. It's like having a safety net for your safety net.

Our brains love efficiency, and that's where automation bias steps in, basically our minds taking a shortcut because, let's face it, thinking too much can be exhausting. With this understanding, here are some exercises for you to practice. These will allow you to become aware on your own reliance on any form of automation in your life.

Exercise 1: Reflect on Your Tech Trust

Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with technology. What gadgets or apps do you rely on daily? How much do you trust them? Jot down your thoughts and any situations where you might have followed tech blindly.

Exercise 2: Identify Bias in Everyday Tech Use

Think about the automated systems you encounter daily, like navigation apps, health trackers, or social media algorithms. Can you identify situations where you might have trusted them without questioning? Note down these instances and reflect on whether your trust was warranted.

Exercise 3: Diversify Your Decision-Making Sources

Consider a recent decision you made where technology played a role. Could you have benefited from consulting multiple sources, including human input? Think about how you can incorporate diverse perspectives into your decision-making process moving forward.

Exercise 4: Tech Detox Challenge

Challenge yourself to a tech detox for a day or even a few hours. Disconnect from your usual automated routines. How does it feel? What insights do you gain about your dependence on technology during this time?

Exercise 5: Spot the Biases in Algorithms

Take a closer look at the algorithms governing your digital world. Investigate privacy settings, content recommendations, or targeted ads. Can you identify any biases? How does this newfound awareness influence your trust in these systems?

Exercise 6: Break Out of Your Tech Comfort Zone

Experiment with breaking your tech routine. If you always follow your GPS, try navigating without it or exploring alternative routes. How does this change your perspective? What new insights do you gain from relying on your instincts?

Exercise 7: The Two-Perspective Approach

Next time you encounter automated advice, whether in finance or health, adopt a two-perspective approach. Consider what the tech suggests and then evaluate it alongside your own knowledge or seek a second opinion. Document how this process impacts your decision-making confidence.

By engaging in these exercises, you're actively building awareness of automation bias and taking steps to reclaim control over your decisions. As you navigate the interplay between your mind and technology, remember that being mindful of your biases is a journey—one that empowers you to make more informed, well-rounded choices in our tech-centric world.

Understanding how our brains cozy up to tech and embracing our critical thinking skills is the key. As we ride the wave of automation, let's keep our wits about us and make choices that truly align with what's best for us and everyone around us.