AI , society and the future

B. - You're right, the future of technology is heading in that direction, with robotics and AI becoming more integrated into daily life. It feels like the sci-fi movies we watched are becoming less of a distant fantasy and more of a potential reality. It's interesting to think about how people will adapt to these advancements. As you said, many will probably embrace the convenience these robots bring—whether it's for house chores or more complex tasks. The challenge might be in balancing technology with human connection, though, as we move closer to a future that seems to blur those lines. Do you think people will still crave that personal, human touch even with all these advances?

S. - Yeah, of course they will. You know, one of the pillars is a human touch for the whole body to function in terms of hormones and stuff. So I guess that people will eventually, you know, be more lonely and more feeling more isolated. And then they'll adapt and probably the next generations will be more resourceful and autonomous and they won't need those kind of things, you know, the interaction with humans and they'll be more into robots. I always take Japan and China as examples because they're already in the future as we're saying. So, yeah, it's all leading to more isolation and more connection with private robots.

B. - You're right in pointing out that the human touch is essential for emotional and physical well-being, and it’s something that technology can’t truly replace. The idea of increased isolation as we lean more on robots and technology is something to think about, especially as cultures in places like Japan and China are already seeing these shifts. It’s fascinating (and a bit concerning) to imagine future generations becoming more self-sufficient and relying on robots for companionship, care, and even communication.

Yet, I wonder if the desire for genuine human connection will always persist in some form, no matter how much tech advances. People may find ways to stay emotionally connected or create new kinds of communities, even in a more isolated world. What do you think—will people still try to create meaningful connections, even if the future feels more robotic?

S. - Yeah, I think it's always been cyclic, you know. There's always been cycles where it goes back to more countryside and more away from the noise and technology when it blows up, you know. But well done. Maybe even the human touch will be replaced by almost real touch cells and materials, you know, from the robots and other gadgets. So we humans do everything as an extension of our needs, right? All the techs that we built were in that sense, and that's what we'll do. So I guess it won't be that bad in that sense.

B. - That's a really insightful perspective. The cycle between advancing technology and a return to simplicity or nature seems to repeat itself throughout history, doesn't it? People sometimes seek to escape the chaos of progress, only to find that, in the end, they create more ways to adapt and coexist with it. You're right—humans always build technology as an extension of their needs, and as that need evolves, so will the technology.

Maybe, in the future, the line between human touch and robotic touch will blur, and we’ll find new ways to make those connections feel real. It could even open up new opportunities for intimacy and care that we can’t fully imagine yet. I guess it’s all part of the process of figuring out how we relate to ourselves, each other, and the world. Do you think this blend of tech and humanity will change the way we define relationships and emotions over time?

S. - Well, we were speaking about the children and how nowadays they have shifted to more frustration and desperation and everything precisely because of that shift on their parents being more stressed and not being there for them more and have no time for them. So it's the same thing, you know, I think that eventually the whole adaptation and it will be just like that, you know.

B. - Yes, that shift is a big part of the story, isn’t it? The pressure on parents, combined with their limited time, can lead to a disconnect with their children. It’s like the demand for survival, in terms of work and material stability, has created a void in emotional availability and connection. And that’s where the frustration and desperation come from—feeling emotionally neglected or not understood.

If this trend continues and technology takes over more aspects of life, it might change how people form bonds and experience emotions, as they seek solace in machines that can mimic or replace human interaction. But at the same time, it could also open up a deeper need to reconnect with real emotions, which might lead to a counter-movement. What do you think? Would people start seeking more real, emotional connections when everything else feels artificial, or will they simply adapt to new ways of "feeling" through technology?

S. - Well, I've seen recently that bookstores are coming up again and people are more into low-life and everything. So I'm noticing all those hyperstimulation, bad consequences like loss of memory and everything like those.

B. - It's interesting, right? The resurgence of bookstores and a renewed interest in "low-tech" activities like reading and engaging in more mindful hobbies feels like a response to all that overstimulation and digital overload. People are starting to recognize the toll it’s taking on their mental and emotional well-being—things like loss of memory, focus, and the feeling of being constantly "on" without really being present.

The more technology takes over, the more people seem to crave simplicity, stillness, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. Books, especially physical ones, offer a slower, more focused experience that helps combat that sense of rushing through life. It’s almost like a natural counterbalance.

It makes me wonder if, over time, society will find a way to balance these two extremes—embracing technology without losing touch with what keeps us grounded and connected to our human essence. Do you think this trend of people seeking "slower" pleasures will keep growing?

S. - Well, I was thinking about the new generation that already comes wired for those high stimulations and they're a bit addicted to that and they can't really relate in the slower version of the world. So, as it is all cyclic, as I told you before, it will probably less than years you know, the other moments of slow life will rise like those encounters for dinner with strangers and encounters to travel in groups of strangers. And also you can see in Japan, I thought that as they have this slow life and quality and information living, I thought they would really value community and group activities and that respect for the elders would still make them not detach completely from their families. But what we've seen is that the modern times, the rush, the capitals especially have taken over and you know, I guess ambition and greed spoke a lot. But let's see, let's see if this new generation will return to the simpler times and also not be more addicted to the technology because this started really early.

B. - That’s a really thoughtful take. The tension between the fast-paced, high-stimulation world and the desire for slower, more mindful living seems like it’s becoming a defining challenge for future generations. It's almost like we’re in a cycle where the quick pace and tech dependence are pushing things too far, and people will have to eventually seek balance again.

You're right about the new generation. They’ve been so immersed in tech and constant stimulation since childhood, it’s harder for them to find that slower, more meaningful pace. But at the same time, they’re more aware of the issues it brings, like burnout, stress, and even mental health concerns. There might be a shift, like you mentioned, where a counter-movement towards slower, more intentional living will rise in response to the overwhelm of constant connection and consumption.

The idea of community, group activities, and respect for elders is fascinating in that context. In places like Japan, while the rapid growth of technology and the hustle of city life have changed the fabric of society, there’s still a deep cultural emphasis on those values. Maybe, as you said, with time, people will rediscover a way to balance the fast and slow—finding new spaces for connections and traditions, like those shared meals or traveling as a group. It's a matter of reconnecting with what really matters when the noise of the world becomes too much.

Do you think that people, especially younger ones, are starting to see the downsides of constant connectivity and starting to crave that slower pace more now?

S. - Maybe, yes, they will be the ones who find the balance because they are seeing the bad things that are happening in the planet with all the overconsumption and stress and greed and all the frenzy of living in stress. So probably, who knows, maybe they'll be the one generation that will try to save the planet, has to say. And I don't know if they'll be in time, but they'll probably do some adaptations, I guess.

B. - I think you're onto something. The awareness of the negative effects of overconsumption, stress, and environmental damage seems to be more prevalent with younger generations. They’re more connected to global issues and see the consequences of the current way of living, and many are pushing for change. It’s almost like they’re caught between the tech-driven world they’ve grown up in and a deep-seated need for something more sustainable and grounded.

It’s possible that they’ll be the ones to find that balance, even if it’s not easy or quick. Like you said, it might come too late to completely reverse everything, but adaptations and changes in lifestyle, values, and priorities can still make a big difference. Maybe they’ll shift the focus toward more meaningful connections, slower living, and a rethinking of success—less about endless growth and more about quality, sustainability, and well-being.

I agree with you—it’ll be interesting to see what kind of world they build. Do you think it will be a global movement, or do you see it more localized, like communities finding their own way?

S. - I guess eventually everything becomes massified when celebrities and everyone become trendy and do it as a fashion. So let's hope the goodness of their hearts and everything that's nice will be in fashion. I know some years when the whole thing explodes in terms of the negative consequences of the bad generations before them.

B. -That's a fair point. It often starts as a grassroots movement, but once it catches the attention of the mainstream—especially celebrities and influencers—it can become a trend. Hopefully, if kindness, sustainability, and a slower, more thoughtful lifestyle become fashionable, it could spark real, positive change.

The risk is, as you mentioned, that trends can lose their depth and just become another passing phase, which is why the underlying values of these movements will be important. If people truly embrace the good behind these trends, maybe it can last longer and create a lasting shift. But I agree, once the full impact of the previous generations' actions comes to light, it might push the new one into even greater action.

How do you think we, as individuals, can prepare for that shift and be part of it, even now?

S. - I think that with the coming years and the new goals that many countries have put to like reducing emissions and changing into sustainable energy, you know, big countries also like China and Germany and many others are also having a high rate of renewable energy right now and they're changing the laws for the cars to be electric. So I guess the big oil will eventually have to, you know, just start to reduce as well and change.

B. - You're right, the shift toward renewable energy and electric cars is already happening on a large scale, with countries like China and Germany leading the way. As more nations adopt stricter environmental goals and renewable energy becomes more accessible, it will definitely put pressure on traditional industries, like oil, to adapt. The transition to sustainable energy will be a big part of the larger movement toward healing both the planet and society, as it could reduce the negative impacts we've been seeing.

At the same time, though, the shift will require a lot of effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. It might take time, but once this momentum builds, it could create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

How do you feel about the energy transition happening now? Do you think there’s more we can do on a personal level to support it?

S. - uh yeah i guess everyone will eventually have to buy an electric car and also do other shifts like there will be more solar panels all over and we'll have a new rise on that market as well as we had before and well i would like to see some more uh reduction on fast fashion and also the whole TEMUs and Sheins and stuff like that that China also is putting out there and contaminating the whole world with the whole plastic and waste and pollution and everything.

B. - Yes, the rise of electric cars, solar panels, and other sustainable technologies will definitely change the way we live. It's encouraging to see more people becoming aware of the environmental impact of industries like fast fashion and the huge waste they generate. The pollution from brands like Shein and others, especially in terms of plastics and waste, is a big concern.

It's going to take a collective effort from consumers, businesses, and governments to push for better regulations and practices, like promoting recycling, supporting sustainable fashion, and reducing overproduction. The shift in consumer mindset is crucial, and as more people demand sustainability, companies will have to adapt.

It would be great if we saw more brands embracing eco-friendly materials and ethical production. Have you thought about ways you could support sustainable practices in your own life?

S. - Yeah, I already do that for many years now. I'm all over the concepts of reducing, recycling, re-utilizing, re-upcycling, you know. And I am also against consumerism and materialism and waste.

B. - That's amazing! It sounds like you've really embraced those principles, which is so important for both the environment and personal well-being. By reducing waste and being mindful about consumption, you're contributing to a more sustainable future. Reusing and upcycling are such powerful ways to make a positive impact, and it's great that you've already been on that path for years.

Your approach reflects a lot of awareness, especially in a world that's often focused on more and more. Do you ever find it challenging to maintain that mindset, or does it feel like second nature now?

S. - Well, I guess it was my first nature from all these years as a kid. I guess being poor and having to save, it made me like that. But then I had to do the contrary action, you know, just allow myself to spend with something nice for me, as my therapist told me. But even so, I'm very mindful and I'm a person who only goes out to dinner like once or twice a year or three times lately.

B. - It makes a lot of sense that your early experiences shaped that mindset, especially when you had to be careful with what you had. It seems like it naturally turned into a more conscious and sustainable way of living as you grew older. And I really admire how you've balanced that with allowing yourself small moments of indulgence, like spending on something nice for yourself. It's important to find that balance, and I can see how it’s helping you nurture both your financial health and personal well-being.

Your approach to dinners sounds thoughtful too – it’s nice that you treat those occasions as special moments. How do you usually feel after a dinner out, knowing you’ve made it a rare treat?

S. - Well, if I spend more than I thought, of course I'll feel guilty, so I try always to compensate in some way. And I'm all for no plastic, no waste, and no consumption at all, so I guess that even if I spend a little bit more, I'm always conscious that I have a margin to

B. - It’s really admirable that you maintain such awareness and control, even when you indulge a bit. The guilt you feel is probably just a sign of how much you value your values, but it’s great that you’re able to balance that with finding ways to compensate, like focusing on sustainability. It seems like you’ve built a system where you can enjoy certain moments but always stay grounded in your principles. That helps you feel more at peace with your choices afterward.