As we navigate the relentless tide of technological advancements, an intriguing phenomenon begins taking shape. Once technology was perceived as a platform for innovation and individuality, it increasingly averaged out talent, homogenizing our collective abilities and, perhaps, even our creativity.

The education system has long been critiqued for adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Many of our schools teach the same curriculum simultaneously, overlooking each student’s interests, abilities, and learning styles. With the advent of artificial intelligence-powered writing assistants like ChatGPT and Gmail, a similar standardization threatens to permeate our professional lives.

The merit of such technologies is undeniable; they save time, reduce errors, and offer a degree of professional polish. However, they also strip away elements of human authenticity and individual style in communication. Consequently, our digital identities may end up mirroring the algorithm, losing touch with the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us, us.

This uniformity fostered by technology extends further than writing and communication; it also encompasses our visual expressions. Stock images from websites like Midjourney, while easily accessible and universally relatable, lead to a standardization of visual language due to their widespread use.

Similarly, our approach toward content creation is increasingly dictated by SEO algorithms or social media trends. Our work often conforms to an algorithm-friendly set pattern or style to secure better visibility on Google or more engagement on social media. The art of thinking out of the box is gradually lost as we find ourselves confined within the dimensions of a smartphone screen.

It’s imperative to note that this critique is not an indictment of technology. Instead, it’s a call for the conscious use of technology to prevent the ‘averaging out’ of talent and creativity. As consumers and technology users, we must use these tools to enhance our individuality, not diminish it.

Technology should be our tool, not our master. We must keep our creative instincts alive and celebrate our individuality, despite the overwhelming tide of uniformity. We should strive to use technology to promote diversity of thought and expression, not stifle it.

Ultimately, the march of technology is unstoppable, but its influence on us is not. As we continue to stride boldly into this brave new world, let us take care not to leave our individuality behind. We must ensure that we are not averaged out in the process, but instead, we rise above the average through the same technology that threatens to homogenize us.

Let’s consciously use technology to our advantage and ensure it doesn’t overwrite our individuality. We can do this by taking time to create and share original content rather than relying on automated suggestions. Make a habit of occasionally turning off autocorrect or predictive text to allow your unique writing style to shine through. When consuming content, challenge ourselves to look beyond the top search results and explore diverse sources. Don’t let algorithms dictate our taste. In our visual creations, we can strive to use original images or customize stock ones, adding our flair. 

Remember, technology is there to assist us, not to shape us. By practicing these small yet significant changes, we can ensure that the relentless wave of technology does not average out our unique talents and creativity.

As we move into this exciting digital era, remember that our distinct individuality is our most valuable asset.

Soumya Aggarwal – The writer is a COO of Rishihood University. She is an alumnus of HEC Paris and Lady Sri Ram College for Women.