The Intimate Past, Present, and Future of Human Connection

Human communication, in all its forms, has continuously evolved, and human behavior has evolved alongside it. From symbols on walls to spoken language, writing, print, telephones, social media, and now AI, every leap has changed not only how we exchange information, but also how we relate to and connect with one another.

The talk explores what these shifts have done to human behavior, connection, and the skills we use to understand each other. It examines the growing illusion of connection and the arrival of AI as something more than a tool: a new participant in our daily communication.

This is not a case for or against technology. It is an invitation to look closely and analytically at human connection, the gains and losses we have experienced throughout history and into the future, and, most importantly, what we need to be aware of as communication continues to evolve, including the place of ethics and morality within that evolution.​​​​