How AI could reshape human memory and attention

Name: How AI could reshape human memory and attention
Uploaded: 2026-01-30T14:19:15.000Z
Duration: 3 h 22 min 47 s

The Dystopian Potential of AI Memory Enhancement

Concerns About Privacy and Memory

Discussion on the implications of viewing life through a first-person perspective, likening it to a "Black Mirror" episode.

Emphasis on developing small models for inference over rich media (images and audio) that run locally on devices, avoiding server dependency.

Assurance that the platform is designed to prevent unauthorized access to memories, highlighting privacy as a core principle.

Introduction to Brilliant Labs

Introduction of Babak Tavanggar from Brilliant Labs, an AI hardware startup focusing on smart glasses.

Notable competition with major companies like Meta and Google while maintaining an open-source approach in their development process.

The Vision Behind Halo Glasses

Features and Goals

Overview of Halo glasses featuring a conversational AI agent aimed at enhancing long-term memory recall.

Focus on promoting presence and intentionality in daily interactions through technology.

Entrepreneurial Insights

Recognition of Babak Tavanggar as a thoughtful entrepreneur who elevates discussions about technology beyond mere functionality.

Babak's Journey into Technology

Early Influences

Babak shares his background, including an internship at Microsoft that sparked his interest in amplifying human potential through technology.

Key Motivations

Identification of three key areas—education, faith, and technology—that he believes can significantly enhance human capabilities.

Evolution of Technology Perspectives

Transitioning from Software to Hardware

Reflection on the limitations faced by software technologies due to hardware constraints during his early career stages around 2007–2008.

Exploration of New Form Factors

Discussion about the emergence of augmented reality (AR), noting challenges faced by companies like Magic Leap and ODG in creating effective AR solutions.

Insights from Experience at Apple

Industry Challenges

Observations made during time at Apple regarding ongoing challenges in AR development, hinting at Apple's own projects like Vision Pro.

Starting a Company: Insights from an Entrepreneur

Journey to Entrepreneurship

The speaker discusses the motivation behind starting their own company, citing the challenge of solving significant problems despite substantial resources and talent in the industry.

They reveal their academic background in economics, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on research related to the Chinese economy and technology's role in industrial policy.

At Microsoft, they worked as a product manager for wealth management software aimed at China, highlighting the intersection of software development and local market dynamics.

The speaker reflects on their entrepreneurial aspirations since childhood, influenced by a family history of entrepreneurship and a strong desire to start their own venture.

Academic Background and International Experience

Born in Philadelphia, they pursued undergraduate studies in Washington D.C. before moving to the UK for graduate school.

Their first visit to China during the 2008 Olympics sparked a deep interest in the country’s culture and economic landscape, which has continued to influence their career choices.

The excitement surrounding China's emergence during this period left a lasting impression on them, leading to further exploration of opportunities within Asia.

Transitioning from Microsoft to Startups

The internship at Microsoft was based in Beijing; this experience emphasized understanding local markets for successful software localization.

Although there was an opportunity to stay longer at Microsoft post-internship, they chose graduate school instead to gain broader international exposure.

They felt that experiences in Europe were essential for personal growth and knowledge expansion before returning to Asia where they believed most energy was concentrated.

First Startup Experience

Their first startup after grad school was Infograph, based in Hong Kong. It focused on graph search technology combined with computer vision applications.

Infograph developed core technology capable of analyzing camera inputs for precise geolocation purposes across various use cases including drones and mobile devices.

Exploring the Evolution of Augmented Reality

The Initial Encounter with AR Technology

The speaker reflects on early experiences with augmented reality (AR), highlighting the use of crude SDKs from companies like WikiTude and Matio, which was later acquired by Apple.

During a demonstration in central Hong Kong, the speaker utilized geolocation technology to visualize pinned locations through their phone's display, showcasing the potential of AR.

Despite feeling the "magic" of AR, there were significant limitations due to hardware constraints, such as battery life and usability for extended periods.

This experience sparked thoughts about AR being a potential paradigm shift in computing, although it felt just out of reach due to technological limitations.

Reflections on Google Glass and Its Impact

The discussion transitions to Google Glass, introduced in 2013, which served as an early example of AR but also faced similar constraints regarding hardware capabilities.

The speaker acknowledges Google’s pioneering role in AR technology and emphasizes that no conversation about AR is complete without discussing lessons learned from Google Glass.

A formative moment for the speaker occurred while watching Google's announcement live; it represented a new way to integrate computers into daily life.

Key lessons from Google Glass included considerations around form factor design, privacy concerns, societal responses, and pricing strategies.

Journey Through Startup Development

The speaker shares insights about their first company Infograph, which focused on graph search technology over five years before selling its tech for travel applications.

Initially aimed at analyzing complex interconnected networks—like financial markets—the company pivoted towards natural language processing for news analysis after two years.

They explored how systemic risks could be quantified based on a company's connections within its ecosystem rather than traditional valuation methods like discounted cash flow analysis (DCF).

Emphasizing interconnectedness led them to analyze relationships between companies and their environments systematically—a novel concept in fintech at that time.

Transitioning from Startup to Apple

Journey to Apple

The speaker discusses selling their first startup and transitioning to work at Apple, highlighting a long-standing desire to be a startup founder.

They reflect on their experience interning at Microsoft and the decision-making process that led them back to a large tech company after running their own startup.

Reasons for Joining Apple

After five years of intense startup life, the speaker felt exhausted and sought new learning opportunities within a well-established company like Apple.

They express relief in not having to worry about financial stability while focusing solely on daily tasks and program advancement.

Learning Opportunities at Apple

The speaker emphasizes the importance of gaining knowledge in supply chains, operations, hardware design, and software integration during their time at Apple.

Working at Apple was described as one of the best decisions made due to exposure to various operational aspects and meeting influential people.

Role and Responsibilities at Apple

Work Environment

The speaker worked primarily out of Apple's Shanghai office, engaging with large factories involved in iPhone production across China.

Their role focused on software programs within Apple's operations under Tim Cook's leadership, emphasizing data collection from complex supply chains.

Insights Gained

The position provided insights into product manufacturing processes and how different departments interact with supply chain dynamics.

Previous experiences with interconnected ecosystems helped the speaker navigate complexities within Apple's operations effectively.

From Employee Back to Entrepreneur

Transitioning Back to Startups

Despite enjoying their time at Apple for nearly two years, the speaker acknowledges an innate drive as a founder that eventually leads them back toward entrepreneurship.

Exploring New Form Factors in Technology

The Paradigm Shift and Initial Insights

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding new form factors in technology, emphasizing the need to meet cross-functionally within a company to grasp how different functions interconnect.

A pivotal moment occurs during a lecture on the history of the iPod, where the speaker realizes that learnings from the iPod were essential for developing the iPhone.

The speaker notes that for the iPhone's success, there had to be a focus on pocket-sized functionality with lessons learned from earlier products like the iPod.

Conceptualizing New Products

The speaker reflects on their thesis regarding what new form factors should look like and how they could drive user interaction and design.

Despite significant investment and talent in the industry, progress was slow; thus, simplicity and focus became key considerations for new product development.

The idea emerges that new products must be simple, affordable, low-power devices akin to an "iPod for AR," which would facilitate learning leading to more complex features over time.

Founding Brilliant Labs

This realization leads to starting Brilliant Labs and developing their first product called Monle.

Importance of Co-founders

Finding a Complementary Partner

The discussion shifts towards co-founding dynamics; having a co-founder is deemed crucial based on past experiences without one in previous ventures.

Reflecting on solo founding experiences reveals challenges in decision-making without someone to consult or share perspectives with during critical moments.

Emotional and Skill Set Considerations

Acknowledging emotional temperament alongside skill set compatibility is vital when choosing a co-founder; this partnership can enhance decision-making processes significantly.

Having someone who has been involved since inception helps maintain continuity and leverage past learnings when making future decisions.

Building Strong Partnerships

For Brilliant Labs, finding Ben as a co-founder provided necessary balance; his industrial design background complements the speaker’s skills effectively.

Their working relationship fosters open dialogue about decisions while also allowing space for humor amidst challenges faced during hardware development.

Conclusion: Value of Collaboration

Emphasizing collaboration highlights its therapeutic nature; sharing experiences with a partner not only aids decision-making but also strengthens team dynamics by providing diverse perspectives.

Introduction to Collaboration and Design

Serendipitous Beginnings

The speaker reflects on a fortunate introduction to Ben, facilitated by colleagues at Apple who recognized the speaker's impending departure to start a new company.

Colleagues emphasized the importance of collaborating with a top-notch industrial designer from the outset, highlighting Apple's design-led culture.

Creative Partnership Development

The initial connection with Ben was nostalgic, evoking memories of discussing products and ideas during the speaker's time in the UK.

Early brainstorming sessions took place in a café in Shanghai, where they sketched ideas for wearable computing, exploring innovative paths distinct from existing technologies.

Collaborative Dynamics

The partnership involved deep listening and tolerance for quiet moments, allowing tentative ideas to emerge as valuable contributions.

Over several months of frequent meetings, they engaged in hands-on activities like sketching and 3D printing prototypes while testing concepts with friends.

Understanding User Behavior

Ethnographic Research Insights

They conducted ethnographic research by observing how people used devices like AirPods and smartphones on public transport.

Notably, users often opened camera apps not just for photography but also for functionalities like pinch-to-zoom, revealing unintended use cases that informed their design process.

Form Factor Exploration

These observations contributed to understanding how new form factors could better serve user needs through purpose-built technology.

Product Development Journey

Rapid Product Launch Strategy

The first product launch (Monle) occurred relatively quickly compared to typical startup timelines; this approach aimed at learning rapidly from market feedback.

Open Source Ethos

Emphasizing an open-source philosophy allowed them to experiment collaboratively with their community while integrating new technologies into their offerings.

Challenges Faced During Development

Impact of COVID-19 on Hardware Production

Starting the company in 2019 coincided with COVID-19 disruptions; although it prevented mass production issues, development faced significant delays due to travel restrictions and factory schedules.

Semiconductor Crisis Effects

A semiconductor crisis around 2021–2022 compounded challenges as demand surged unexpectedly across various industries post-lockdown.

Challenges in Semiconductor Supply Chain

Impact of Semiconductor Shortage on Automotive Industry

A local football stadium was filled with F-150 trucks that couldn't be completed due to a shortage of semiconductors, highlighting the critical role these chips play in vehicle functionality.

The speaker notes that while large companies like Apple and Microsoft were hoarding supply, automotive companies faced significant shortages for essential chips, leading them to over-purchase.

Startups struggled to compete for chip supplies against larger corporations, which had preferential treatment from vendors, creating a chaotic market environment.

Development Challenges Faced by Startups

The speaker recounts their experience of staying up late monitoring secondhand distributor websites for components amidst the semiconductor crisis and COVID-related challenges.

Despite delays caused by various crises, the company managed to announce its product in late 2022 and began shipping at the start of 2023.

Resilience Through Adversity

The journey proved that they could endure through multiple crises while focusing on what was within their control and maintaining discipline in execution.

Emphasis is placed on learning from experiences and collaborating with their community to achieve goals related to open-source AI-focused computing.

Funding Journey of a Startup

Initial Funding Strategies

Initially self-funded by the founders with low operational costs; they later sought external funding as operations expanded.

The need for additional capital arose when hiring team members and increasing material procurement costs became necessary.

Approach to Securing Investment

Preference was given to seasoned investors rather than friends and family due to their ability to provide valuable insights alongside financial support.

Early funding rounds included angel investors and early-stage VCs, starting with a few hundred thousand dollars before scaling up.

Financial Struggles During Growth

The startup faced significant financial constraints during COVID, often unable to pay themselves while negotiating hard with vendors.

Learning how to stretch every dollar became crucial for survival amid challenging economic conditions.

The Landscape of Consumer Technology Investment

Challenges in Hardware Investment

Most investors are hesitant about investing in consumer hardware due to its different economics compared to software ventures.

Software allows rapid iteration at minimal cost, benefiting from established distribution channels that reach billions quickly.

This structured approach provides an organized overview of key discussions regarding semiconductor shortages' impact on startups and their funding journeys.

Understanding the Challenges and Innovations in Consumer Hardware

Investor Perspectives on Hardware Economics

Investors are generally skeptical about consumer hardware economics, noting that successful companies like Apple dominate the market due to their substantial funding and unique supply chain advantages.

Many hardware devices, such as game consoles, are often sold at a loss with hopes of recouping costs through software sales; Apple's profitability stands out in contrast.

The rarity of companies achieving both high market share and profit margins leads investors to question the viability of startups in this space.

Startups face additional challenges due to fickle consumer preferences and unproven markets, making it difficult to achieve significant sales volumes early on.

Founders must adapt by keeping costs low and iterating quickly while navigating these uncertainties.

Introduction to Monle: A Unique AR Device

Monle is introduced as a clip-on augmented reality (AR) device featuring a camera, microphones, and touch sensors aimed at innovating within the AR space.

Priced at $299, Monle was designed to be portable and user-friendly but required extensive learning regarding production processes and ergonomics.

The goal was not only to enter the market but also to challenge conventional thinking about AR form factors by emphasizing AI integration from the outset.

Early Skepticism Towards AI Integration

In 2019, Monle's team faced skepticism when proposing that new AR devices should focus on AI capabilities rather than just visual spectacles or gaming experiences.

Industry professionals questioned the relevance of AI in glasses, indicating a disconnect between traditional expectations for AR technology and innovative approaches being proposed by startups.

Shifting Market Dynamics with AI Advancements

As time progressed, perceptions shifted significantly towards recognizing the importance of AI in enhancing AR functionalities; this change validated Monle's initial vision.

The release of OpenAI’s GPT API at the end of 2022 coincided with Monle's announcement, marking a pivotal moment for integrating advanced AI into their product offerings.

Timing as a Key Factor for Success

The timing of launching Monle amidst growing interest in AI technologies provided an advantageous position for the startup after enduring challenging early years from 2019 through most of 2022.

This strategic alignment allowed Monle to leverage advancements in machine learning and computer vision effectively while capturing industry attention during a transformative period.

AI Hardware and the Launch of Frame

Emergence of AI Hardware Concepts

The open-source nature of the project led to increased interest in integrating GPT API with hardware, prompting discussions about AI hardware possibilities.

The announcement of their second product, Frame, marked a significant step as it featured a color display camera and similar sensors to Monle but in a lightweight design.

Reception and Market Context

The launch timing for Frame coincided with the release of GPT-4, which introduced multimodal capabilities, enhancing user expectations for AI integration in devices.

Initial reviews highlighted that competitors' products lacked effective AI integration; thus, Frame was positioned as an advanced alternative amidst subpar offerings from major players like Amazon and Meta.

Learning from Product Development

The team viewed their efforts as exploratory rather than profit-driven initially, aiming to understand market dynamics and use cases before scaling production significantly.

Upon announcing Frame, they experienced unexpected virality and media coverage during Chinese New Year, leading to a surge in sales beyond initial projections.

Supply Chain Challenges

Rapid demand growth revealed supply chain bottlenecks, particularly concerning components like the geometric prism for OLED panels; this necessitated urgent adjustments in production processes.

Delays in fulfilling pre-orders frustrated customers due to both hardware constraints and software issues related to generative AI's unpredictable responses during interactions.

Competitive Landscape

Despite challenges faced by other companies within the AR/AI hardware sector (e.g., Humane and Rabbit), the team's experiences positioned them uniquely within an evolving market landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements.

The Journey of Frame: Design and Team Dynamics

Learning Through Challenges

The team experienced significant learning through the development of Frame, which served as a "trial by fire" that stretched their capabilities.

Unique Design Choices

Frame featured round frames designed to stand out and be iconic, drawing inspiration from cultural icons like Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi. This was intended to create a sense of cultural resonance.

First AI Glasses in the Market

Frame was marketed as the first pair of AI glasses, distinguishing itself in a market where such terminology was not yet common. This branding helped establish its identity amidst emerging competitors.

Staffing Needs During Growth

As demand surged, the core team expanded from four to about eight or nine members, necessitating additional support staff for community engagement and software/hardware development tasks. This included hiring experts for specific technical needs like FPGA development.

Whimsical Charger Design

The charger, dubbed "Mr. Power," was intentionally whimsical to evoke joy and playfulness in users, reflecting the company's philosophy that technology should encourage exploration rather than be taken too seriously. This design choice aimed to make technology more approachable and fun.

Halo in 2026: The Journey and Innovations

Transition from Frame to Halo

Discussion on the evolution of the company from its earlier product, Frame, to the new Halo glasses. Insights into how industry trends are aligning with their vision.

Mention of major tech giants like Meta and Google entering similar markets, indicating a competitive landscape for innovation.

Features of Halo Glasses

Description of Halo as lightweight (40 grams), designed for all-day wear with a 14-hour battery life.

Introduction of color OLED display and advanced sensors including an IMU for tracking movement, distinguishing it from competitors' monochrome offerings.

Inclusion of bone conduction speakers that provide audio feedback without obstructing external sounds, enhancing user experience.

Focus on Memory and Privacy

Emphasis on AI's role in aiding human memory while ensuring privacy. The device aims to complement personal memories securely.

Explanation of data handling: original media is discarded after processing, ensuring no sensitive information can be accessed by others.

Open Source Philosophy

Commitment to open-source principles across software, firmware, and hardware design. All components are available on GitHub to foster community collaboration.

Belief that sharing knowledge creates a competitive advantage through community engagement rather than keeping innovations proprietary.

Community Building Through Knowledge Sharing

Insight into how empowering users through shared knowledge fosters brand loyalty and community ecosystems.

Reflection on lessons learned from Apple regarding high standards in execution while promoting collaborative growth within the tech community.

Product Launch and Pricing of Halo Glasses

Overview of Product Release

The speaker discusses the upcoming product, Halo, emphasizing its potential in the current market landscape.

Production is ramping up in southern China, with shipping expected to begin later this month. The price point for Halo is set at $3.49.

Prescription Options and Design Features

Halo glasses will be available with or without prescriptions, addressing previous limitations experienced with their earlier product, Frame.

The design incorporates an internal OLED display positioned at the top of the frame, allowing easy interchangeability of prescription lenses or sunglasses.

Design Evolution from Previous Models

The new square frame design contrasts with the previous circular form factor used in Frame; this change was made to accommodate the display's placement.

The decision to adopt a traditional squared-off design reflects a desire for evolution while maintaining functionality.

Display Quality and Cost Management

Both Frame and Monle featured full-color displays; maintaining this quality is crucial as it aligns with user expectations for vibrant visuals.

Despite competition offering higher-priced products (e.g., Meta Ray-Band), Halo remains competitively priced due to strategic cost management.

Market Positioning and Consumer Perception

The speaker highlights challenges posed by competitors pricing below production costs but emphasizes their commitment to profitability through disciplined pricing strategies.

Aiming for a price range around $299-$349 ensures that purchases are perceived as reasonable rather than painful, enhancing consumer acceptance.

Smart Glasses Design Considerations and AI Integration

Weight and Design Challenges

The targeted weight for most eyeglasses is around 35 grams, while many smart glasses, including Meta Ray-Bands, weigh approximately 49 to 50 grams. In contrast, Metray band displays are heavier at about 70 grams.

Many smart glasses tend to weigh between 70 to 75 grams, making the discussed product significantly lighter—almost half the weight of competitors like Meta Ray-Band displays.

Key Design Considerations

The design must ensure that the glasses are fashionable and comfortable enough for all-day wear. This includes balancing aesthetics with functionality.

A critical aspect of design is ensuring that the glasses do not feel burdensome on the head over time; they should feel as light as a regular pair of stylish glasses.

Battery life is essential; it needs to last throughout the day without compromising on style or comfort.

Technical Aspects of Hardware

The hardware focuses on minimal graphical elements and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for lighter processors and sensors that consume less power.

By utilizing lower-tier components in terms of weight and power consumption, the product can be more cost-effective while remaining lightweight and thin.

AI Agent Functionality

The primary feature of Halo involves using an AI agent to enhance memory without storing sensitive information in a potentially harmful way.

Privacy considerations are foundational; it's crucial to prevent any dystopian implications related to memory storage by ensuring data security.

Enhancing Daily Life with AI Memory Assistance

Many individuals struggle with forgetfulness regarding names or details from conversations. An AI agent could help manage these small but significant memory lapses effectively.

Use cases include reminders about action items from meetings or nudges about tasks due by day's end, helping users stay organized and accountable.

Everyday scenarios such as grocery shopping can benefit from an AI assistant reminding users what items were discussed previously, enhancing productivity in daily tasks.

Korean Restaurant Experience and Memory Queries

Dining Out and Startup Reflections

The speaker recalls visiting a Korean restaurant with a friend named Jeremy last month, indicating a casual social outing.

They mention struggling to remember the name of a startup they were considering partnering with, highlighting the challenges of memory recall in professional contexts.

Memory Query Technology

The speaker describes using a "memory query" to retrieve information about the startup, emphasizing how technology can assist in recalling specific details from past conversations.

They explain that this process involves vector similarity search and graph queries to accurately surface relevant results, showcasing the utility of advanced data retrieval methods.

Privacy Considerations in Technology

Addressing Privacy Concerns

The discussion shifts to privacy concerns associated with new technologies, particularly regarding personal data handling.

The speaker reflects on their own considerations for family safety and comfort with such technologies, indicating an intrinsic motivation to prioritize user privacy.

Data Handling Practices

Rich media captured by devices is encrypted via Bluetooth before being processed on users' phones. This ensures that sensitive data remains secure during transmission.

Text generated from rich media (images/audio) is converted into numerical embeddings that are incomprehensible without proper access rights, enhancing security against unauthorized access.

Security Measures Implemented

Original source files (images/audio) are discarded after processing to prevent any potential leaks or unauthorized access by third parties.

Multiple layers of security ensure that even if data is accessed by another language model or human, it remains unintelligible unless permitted through the platform's queries.

Local Processing of Language Models

Local Inference Capabilities

The app called Noah runs local language models on smartphones for processing rich media without needing server interaction, promoting user privacy.

Modern smartphones equipped with neural processing units (NPUs), like Apple's Neural Engine or Qualcomm's NPU, facilitate this local inference capability effectively.

Product Development Philosophy

The speaker emphasizes their commitment to maintaining user privacy throughout product development while ensuring efficient functionality within the app.

Understanding the Purpose of Technology

The Importance of Intent in Technology Development

The speaker emphasizes the significance of understanding the purpose and goals behind technology development, highlighting that this intentionality is as impressive as the products themselves.

A warning is issued against building technology for its own sake, noting that history has shown this approach can lead to negative unintended consequences.

Examples like social media illustrate how technological advancements can adversely affect relationships and mental health, indicating a need for more thoughtful development.

Historical Context and Lessons Learned

The splitting of the atom serves as an extreme example where unforeseen consequences arose from technological advancements, including both sustainable energy and weaponry.

The speaker reflects on lessons learned from past technologies, stressing that not all innovations yield positive outcomes for humanity.

Open Source Philosophy and Community Engagement

The discussion shifts to open-source products, with emphasis on transparency regarding their purpose and potential negative impacts before release.

By sharing ideas openly, developers invite community participation in co-creating technology while fostering a deeper understanding among users.

Responsibility in Technological Impact

The speaker advocates for considering the role and impact of technology on society, urging developers to reflect on their values during creation processes.

Unintended consequences must be acknowledged; historical hindsight should inform future developments to mitigate risks associated with new technologies.

Sparking Discourse Around Technology's Role

There’s a call for broader conversations about technology's societal impacts beyond just its innovative aspects; responsibility should be part of tech discourse.

Reflecting on smartphones' addictive qualities highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes when developing new devices or experiences.

Understanding the Principles of Open Source and Human Agency

The Importance of Community Engagement

The speaker emphasizes the need to discuss not just the uniqueness of their product but also its broader goals, inviting community involvement aligned with these objectives.

Embracing Open Source

Open source is presented as both a principled concept and a strategic approach, essential for transparency in technology development.

The speaker argues that understanding and modifying software or hardware is crucial in today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, likening it to children building with Legos.

Trust and Privacy Concerns

Trust is highlighted as a critical factor between individuals and machines, especially given the increasing intelligence of technology.

Open source contributes to trust by allowing users to understand and modify systems, enhancing privacy through transparency.

Human Agency in Technology

The discussion shifts to human agency, stressing that individuals should be valued beyond their utility in content generation; this perspective is vital as AI technologies evolve.

The speaker warns against reducing humans to mere inputs for business models, advocating for a focus on human dignity and thriving amidst technological advancements.

Thriving in an Intelligent Era

A holistic view of human well-being includes connection with others, meaningful contributions to communities, and maintaining control over personal data.

It’s emphasized that people must feel they are in control of their experiences with intelligent machines, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than diminishes it.