In this episode of the CEO Retort podcast, we welcomed Dr Valeria Sadovykh, a leading technology strategist at Microsoft, sharing her insights on the intersection of human behaviour, technology, and AI.
She discussed technology’s profound impact on cognitive functions and decision-making processes in modern society. She highlighted how integrating technology in daily life has led to what she terms “lazy decision-making.”
This phenomenon occurs when people stop critically processing information, relying instead on readily available online solutions. This reliance on technology, she argues, diminishes our cognitive abilities, affecting our capacity to focus, memorise, and communicate effectively.
Throughout our discussion, Tim and Valeria explored the dual role of technology – while it offers substantial benefits, such as enhanced efficiency and access to information, it also poses risks by fostering dependency and potentially eroding essential human capabilities.
Valeria emphasised the responsibility of individuals and societies to manage their technology use consciously to ensure it serves rather than dominates. She also touched on her personal and professional journey, explaining how her experiences and research have shaped her understanding of these issues.
The discussion delved into action plans for more critical engagement with technology, where both Tim and Valeria urge listeners to consider the long-term implications of their digital habits on their cognitive health and societal well-being.
Valeria called for a balanced approach to technology, advocating for the development of “soft skills” that technology cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication.
Join the conversation now and tell us what you think and how your use of technology impacted your cognitive functions.
