The Meaning of Being Human and why Becoming Digital should not be a Jungle

Being human is a vast, complex concept, but at its core, it’s about questions—the ones that push us toward progress and those that sometimes lead us toward chaos. Human evolution isn’t a neatly organized symphony; it’s closer to a jazz jam session, a dynamic interplay of ideas, emotions, and responses that move us forward, but sometimes circle back on themselves. We’re always improvising, adapting, learning, and unlearning. In this rhythm of exploration and error, we find both the sparks of growth and the seeds of potential setbacks.

The recent floods in Valencia remind us that while we continue to push the boundaries of technology, our understanding and decision-making must remain grounded. Clouds belong in the sky, not in the virtual spaces we call “clouds” or in systems that allow construction close to riverbeds, ignoring centuries of natural wisdom. In a world increasingly driven by individual goals—my job, my house, my safety—we see how these personal needs add up to our problem, calling for a shift from isolated actions to #community resilience and #collective #care.

As digital spaces become integral to our lives, we confront a new challenge: AI and digital tools reflect, yet often distort, what it means to be human. We call AI “non-empathic,” but digital platforms like LinkedIn show us a strange paradox: we’re each sitting alone, voicing our perspectives from behind screens, hoping for connection, for someone to listen and respond. And yet, as we scroll through posts, it’s easy to find recommendations without engagement, likes without comments, posts without conversations. Even advanced AI like ChatGPT can simulate hours of dialogue, yet it’s a far cry from true connection or meaningful understanding.

Many will say that in digital spaces, recommendations and quick responses are “enough”—that there’s no time for deeper involvement. But in our rush to communicate efficiently, we sometimes forget a simple truth: humans build relationships through authentic interactions, driven by purpose and a sense of mutual investment. Digital platforms may simplify and speed up communication, but they also risk reducing human interaction to a performance, devoid of the real give-and-take that defines genuine connection.

Take WhatsApp, where the seen-but-unanswered message is now part of daily life. It’s a strange reflection of human psychology—a bit like the child who thinks something no longer exists if it’s out of sight. In the digital age, we sometimes act as though an interaction or connection has meaning only if it’s instant and visible, overlooking the value of thoughtful response and shared purpose.

Human beings are fascinating creatures: we come together when emotions run high, rallying around crises and big moments. But we often miss the chance to ask deeper questions—like why certain disasters happen and how they could be prevented. Perhaps AI will eventually help us ask these questions more often, urging us to move from reactive to proactive thinking. But right now, the digital landscape often feels more like a jungle—a cacophony of voices, a place where animals scream, and some monkeys swing from tree to tree, mimicking human actions without deeper reflection.

This “digital jungle” reflects our improvisational, sometimes chaotic nature. And just as in a jungle, without thoughtful guidance, we risk losing sight of our true purpose. Technology should uplift us, fostering meaningful connections, inspiring questions that drive us forward, and encouraging us to reflect on our actions. It should help us move beyond simply broadcasting our voices into the void, toward building communities that are resilient, responsive, and rooted in shared values.

If we don’t bring intentionality to our digital transformation, we risk creating a world that amplifies noise over understanding, repetition over growth. Being human means embracing complexity, and we need digital spaces that support that complexity—spaces where empathy, curiosity, and collective wisdom aren’t rare but abundant, guiding us toward a more connected and compassionate future.

#EmpathyDriven #DigitalTransformation #CommunityCare #HumanConnection #DigitalJungle