The fourth permaculture principle that guides us to a more sustainable ‘permanent culture’ is to ‘apply self-regulation and accept feedback’.
This principle recognises that, within natural ecosystems, there are built-in checks and limits that allow the system to be self-sustaining over the long term. Within the human body, our cells grow, die, and replenish in intricately balanced biochemical interactions. In the animal world, apex predators play an essential role in keeping prey species in check, to the benefit of the entire ecosystem of which they are part.
If body cells start to grow out of control, disease ensues. Removing natural predators from the ocean, forest, or grassland decimates food sources, depletes soils, and causes rivers to begin dying.
In terms of our human relationships, self-responsibility forms a key component of a healthy society. Recognising that no individual lives in complete freedom without boundaries is crucial, as our existence is not in isolation but in relation to everyone and everything else.
What does this have to do with AI’s infiltration into our daily lives? I’ve been following Cal Newport, Georgetown University professor, technology expert and author of Slow Productivity for some time. His podcasts and newsletters are always informative and captivating (particularly for a nerd like me). This week he alerted his readers to an interview he gave on All Things Considered in which he discussed the limitations of AI.
It appears that the rollout of a newer version of ChatGPT has not delivered on all the big promises it had claimed, and experts are starting to recognise that large language models (LLMs) are themselves coming to a stage in their growth where differentiation in design has become necessary if their usefulness (and profitability) is to be fully realised.
As Dr. Newport himself has repeatedly pointed out, AI in its current form is producing many negative outcomes, in particular the flooding of the internet with low-quality, harmful, and misleading messaging with enormous implications for human health and social cohesion. We would also highlight the unsustainable environmental impacts caused by CO₂ emissions and high water usage.
There are hopeful signs, however, that within the ‘machine’ itself, the principles of life are still becoming evident (as indeed, they always do when we pay close enough attention).
Humans have always created tools. When we centre our design decisions on the ethics of care: for the earth, its creatures and the nurturing communities we create, and when we look to the wisdom of nature herself, our efforts move us towards a more sustainable, even regenerative future. AI has potential for many truly transformative and valuable applications, for example in medical science, engineering and communications. Discernment is critical.
In whatever direction big tech companies may continue to push us, we can still continue to advocate for those who cannot benefit from their advances and keep our ethics of care and ecological principles front of mind when employing our technologies, whether at work or at home.
In our lives, we can still search for opportunities to slow down, learn about the new environment we are faced with, think deeply about it, and make conscious adaptive choices that align with our values. Each of us will interpret this differently.
For some, it may mean parting with social media (something that Dr Newport heartily recommends). For others, it may mean reconsidering their work and how much autonomy they have. Others again may focus on care for a particular group of people who are disadvantaged by our current economic systems (for example, refugees, women in oppressive situations, and isolated individuals and communities)
Adapting to such rapid changes can be a challenging process for most people, especially when juggling conflicting priorities at work, at home and in the community. It’s helpful to get guidance, reliable information, and peer support along the way.
That is why I am soon to open a new learning community focused on slow living, permaculture (ecological) design, and community building. I warmly invite you to join our waiting list so you can be kept informed about this exciting project.
Until next time, remember, slow down, breathe and pay attention because the world is still a beautiful place.
PS. This article was composed by me, a real human, not AI. Although I use AI tools to assist me with planning, research and editing, the final product is my own creative endeavour. I hope you have enjoyed reading it. I totally welcome, indeed encourage, your feedback and thoughts, and will reply to any questions you may have.
