One of the key skills we have always approached with ambivalence is communication.
We love talking with others—if we are extroverts. Even if we are introverts, we still love expressing ourselves and our thoughts in various ways. Either way, we love the act of communication. Indeed, we can call ourselves Homo communicus, a man of communication.
However, it is also the cause of suffering. We quarrel, fight, and, in the worst situations, kill one another because of communication. Often, we say that if we can communicate rightly and effectively, we can reach mutual understanding and resolve any problems.
Is that so? No, not really.
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Oftentimes, it is because of communication that these problems arise. Ironically enough, many divisions and even polarization occur because we communicate with one another. In a way, we “enjoy” such conflicts.
In various surveys of knowledge workers, when asked what the most important skill they want to develop and improve is, communication skills always rank at the top. Consciously or unconsciously, we all dream of becoming excellent communicators.
Yet the situation often seems counterproductive. People go to various social media platforms for their love of communication, and yet the reality is that while we enjoy and appreciate good relationships, these platforms often create echo chambers that amplify divisions, conflicts, and polarization.
Couples love one another and get married, but failed communication can lead to divorce. Even criminal cases like murder sometimes happen due to failed communication, creating unnecessary or unfortunate anger, hatred, and so on. We get angry mostly because of the rude communication styles of others. People resign from jobs because of relationship issues caused by communication failures. People suffer from mental illness for the same reasons.
We love communication, but communication is also the cause of suffering. What an irony!
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We could say that warfare is also a communication issue—from tribal conflicts to medieval battles to modern geopolitical struggles. All are, in a way, communication issues.
The so-called communication cost for human beings must be tremendous. Recent concerns like neurodiversity highlight additional challenges in communication, both among neurodivergent individuals and between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. The cost of communication is indeed tremendous.
Is there any way to mitigate these inherent challenges in life and throughout human history and society?
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One possible solution could be generative AI, which can handle natural language processing in ways we have never imagined.
Starting in 2025 and beyond, with the development of agent AI and the potential emergence of AGI technology, we could expect AI to act as a communication support tool—or more directly, a means of mitigating or augmenting communication.
If we suppose that all human suffering stems from communication issues or failures, AI could address them. On social media platforms, what if AI could help us avoid creating unnecessary echo chambers? What if potential conflicts could be mitigated by AI beforehand? I think this is already technologically feasible.
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In text-based communications like emails and social media messages, AI algorithms and filters could intervene to prevent unnecessary issues and conflicts.
In workplaces, where knowledge workers face challenges like harassment and bullying, AI could help individuals avoid these problems. AI could act as an effective mediator or coach. In doing so, it could prevent many communication-caused misunderstandings, conflicts, and resignations.
Regarding challenges in communicating with neurodivergent individuals, AI could serve as a skilled interpreter, helping to avoid misunderstandings or issues like Cassandra Affective Disorder.
One hope we might have for AI is that it could address various communication challenges that have caused human sufferings throughout history.
Image by Alicja
Tom’s Blog 