rtificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world in ways we don’t yet understand, and in turn, we find ourselves at the edge of a new era. And as with all transformative eras, there arises a sweeping moral imperative to ensure that advancements do not widen existing inequities but rather bridge them for the benefit of all humanity, not just a privileged few. In the age of AI, we require Digital Dharma: a harmonizing of technological progress with social equity. This is and has always been at the heart of Learning Economy Foundation (LEF) and the communities and technologies for which we advocate.
Like it or not, the genie is out of the bottle. AI will revolutionize countless aspects of our lives, from education and economics to hospitality and healthcare—but whether the disruption will be more desirable than divisive is undecided. If not scrutinized and carefully managed, AI is sure to perpetuate social inequalities globally. For historically marginalized communities, the digital divide is not merely a gap in access but a crisis of purpose and meaning. The challenge, therefore, is threefold: ensure equitable access to the most powerful digital platforms, provide sufficient education for their safe and effective use, and perhaps most importantly, ensure individuals have a voice in shaping the tools that are in turn shaping society. Doing one while neglecting others is nothing short of a moral failure; one for which we will all feel the repercussions, and perhaps already are.
As an increasingly interdependent species, we would be wise to address this challenge and opportunity head–on. Since inception, LEF and our partners have always seen education as a foundational human right and the cornerstone of progress. Our mission, to create transformative learning and economic systems that promote equity, mobility, privacy, and individual agency to radically improve lives throughout the world, has only gained gravity in the wake of AI. Central to this vision and our pursuit of digital dharma are exciting new open–source tools designed to empower and provide a human–centered foundation for equitable access, literacy and identity.
Equitable access
Radically open and accessible tools, such as LearnCard, are more than just technologies; they represent extensible, democratizing bridges to purpose and opportunity. Collectively, we must respect and empower individuals by providing safe, secure, privacy–respecting platforms for storing and sharing skills, credentials, and achievements. This is especially crucial for marginalized communities, who often face barriers to traditional education and social signaling. In the age of AI, individuals need to see themselves as conductors of their own symphony, with the access and freedom to pursue a life filled with purpose, opportunity, and fulfillment.
Equitable literacy
However, access to technology and credentials is only part of the equation. To truly bridge equity gaps, we must also ensure that individuals have the awareness, knowledge and skills to use and shape these tools to their advantage. In the era of exponential AI and information ubiquity, we need to rethink what is meant by holistic education. Through partnerships grounded in wisdom, accountability and trust, we need to envision entirely new programs and paradigms that equip learners with the tools and literacy skills necessary to navigate the complexities of an increasingly uncertain, globally interconnected world.
Equitable identity
Alongside adequate access and literacy, a future in which technology truly serves the whole of humanity must be designed with and for the most marginalized communities. Too often, digital tools are created without considering the unique challenges faced by those seen as “the other,” resulting in “solutions” that benefit the privileged few and perpetuate inequalities. We must relentlessly prioritize inclusive design, ensuring that our technologies are accessible, intuitive, and responsive to the diverse needs of every human on earth. “Not about us, without us”—this is the mantra for achieving digital dharma in the age of exponential AI.
Toward purpose & wisdom
In this context, AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, AI systems can inadvertently reinforce biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes. On the other hand, if designed and deployed thoughtfully, AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for creativity, self–actualization and social good. The journey towards digital dharma is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with purpose and promise. We must confront the difficult realities of our time, acknowledging that the rapid pace of technological advancement can leave the most vulnerable behind. By harnessing the power of open, purpose–(not profit–)driven technologies and committing to inclusive design, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to build a life worth living.
While never perfect and always a pursuit, our collective work must be a testament to what is possible when we prioritize equitable access, literacy, and identity in our technological advancements. We have the power to shape the future, not just for the privileged few, but for the unseen many. As we look to the horizon, let us embrace the awe–inspiring potential of AI and exponential progress, while committing to inclusivity, wisdom and shared prosperity.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Let us wield this weapon wisely, ensuring that in our pursuit of progress, we do not forget the human lives at the heart of our shared mission. Together, and only together, we can build a future where technology serves as a bridge to opportunity and purpose. This is digital dharma: the active, unwavering pursuit of harmonizing technology with the moral imperative of elevating our shared humanity, creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to arrive and thrive.
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Digital dharma: Toward purpose & wisdom in the age of AI
The Gal Vihara, Sri Lanka. Photo by Eddy Billard on Unsplash.
September 25, 2024
While AI is revolutionizing society, it also risks widening inequalities. Digital Dharma promotes equitable access, literacy, and identity in AI. By prioritizing inclusive design, we can ensure AI benefits everyone, fostering a future filled with purpose and opportunity, writes Taylor Kendal.
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rtificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world in ways we don’t yet understand, and in turn, we find ourselves at the edge of a new era. And as with all transformative eras, there arises a sweeping moral imperative to ensure that advancements do not widen existing inequities but rather bridge them for the benefit of all humanity, not just a privileged few. In the age of AI, we require Digital Dharma: a harmonizing of technological progress with social equity. This is and has always been at the heart of Learning Economy Foundation (LEF) and the communities and technologies for which we advocate.
Like it or not, the genie is out of the bottle. AI will revolutionize countless aspects of our lives, from education and economics to hospitality and healthcare—but whether the disruption will be more desirable than divisive is undecided. If not scrutinized and carefully managed, AI is sure to perpetuate social inequalities globally. For historically marginalized communities, the digital divide is not merely a gap in access but a crisis of purpose and meaning. The challenge, therefore, is threefold: ensure equitable access to the most powerful digital platforms, provide sufficient education for their safe and effective use, and perhaps most importantly, ensure individuals have a voice in shaping the tools that are in turn shaping society. Doing one while neglecting others is nothing short of a moral failure; one for which we will all feel the repercussions, and perhaps already are.
As an increasingly interdependent species, we would be wise to address this challenge and opportunity head–on. Since inception, LEF and our partners have always seen education as a foundational human right and the cornerstone of progress. Our mission, to create transformative learning and economic systems that promote equity, mobility, privacy, and individual agency to radically improve lives throughout the world, has only gained gravity in the wake of AI. Central to this vision and our pursuit of digital dharma are exciting new open–source tools designed to empower and provide a human–centered foundation for equitable access, literacy and identity.
Equitable access
Radically open and accessible tools, such as LearnCard, are more than just technologies; they represent extensible, democratizing bridges to purpose and opportunity. Collectively, we must respect and empower individuals by providing safe, secure, privacy–respecting platforms for storing and sharing skills, credentials, and achievements. This is especially crucial for marginalized communities, who often face barriers to traditional education and social signaling. In the age of AI, individuals need to see themselves as conductors of their own symphony, with the access and freedom to pursue a life filled with purpose, opportunity, and fulfillment.
Equitable literacy
However, access to technology and credentials is only part of the equation. To truly bridge equity gaps, we must also ensure that individuals have the awareness, knowledge and skills to use and shape these tools to their advantage. In the era of exponential AI and information ubiquity, we need to rethink what is meant by holistic education. Through partnerships grounded in wisdom, accountability and trust, we need to envision entirely new programs and paradigms that equip learners with the tools and literacy skills necessary to navigate the complexities of an increasingly uncertain, globally interconnected world.
Equitable identity
Alongside adequate access and literacy, a future in which technology truly serves the whole of humanity must be designed with and for the most marginalized communities. Too often, digital tools are created without considering the unique challenges faced by those seen as “the other,” resulting in “solutions” that benefit the privileged few and perpetuate inequalities. We must relentlessly prioritize inclusive design, ensuring that our technologies are accessible, intuitive, and responsive to the diverse needs of every human on earth. “Not about us, without us”—this is the mantra for achieving digital dharma in the age of exponential AI.
Toward purpose & wisdom
In this context, AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, AI systems can inadvertently reinforce biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes. On the other hand, if designed and deployed thoughtfully, AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for creativity, self–actualization and social good. The journey towards digital dharma is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with purpose and promise. We must confront the difficult realities of our time, acknowledging that the rapid pace of technological advancement can leave the most vulnerable behind. By harnessing the power of open, purpose–(not profit–)driven technologies and committing to inclusive design, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to build a life worth living.
While never perfect and always a pursuit, our collective work must be a testament to what is possible when we prioritize equitable access, literacy, and identity in our technological advancements. We have the power to shape the future, not just for the privileged few, but for the unseen many. As we look to the horizon, let us embrace the awe–inspiring potential of AI and exponential progress, while committing to inclusivity, wisdom and shared prosperity.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Let us wield this weapon wisely, ensuring that in our pursuit of progress, we do not forget the human lives at the heart of our shared mission. Together, and only together, we can build a future where technology serves as a bridge to opportunity and purpose. This is digital dharma: the active, unwavering pursuit of harmonizing technology with the moral imperative of elevating our shared humanity, creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to arrive and thrive.
