Dear Readers,
As we prepared our New Year resolutions and enter the new unknown in 2025, many of as asking the question: What will 2025 be like, and what will it bring to us and the entire humanity?
That is a good question, as panellists automatically overuse.
We are transitioning, transforming, and changing – same time trying to celebrate and preserve out natural habits and traditions.
From a statistical perspective, people respond to and adopt technologies in various ways. Some of us eagerly adopt the latest innovations, others enjoy a few in moderation, and a significant group sits on the fence, merely observing. Then, of course, there are those who remain indifferent – which is not particularly new or surprising.
The so-called “don’t give a damn” attitude seems more noticeable these days.
And finally, there is always that percentile of the non-normally distributed group, the one I may proudly belong to.
Which group are you?
As I often say, “All roads lead to Rome,” and in this case, they lead to humanity’s existence and our ultimate destination.
By learning, using, and gradually accepting technology (at whatever rate of adoption) we become active participants in the digital evolution. Whether we like it, dislike it, or feel conflicted, we are contributing our voice to the conversation.
In some ways, we are even influencing and shaping its trajectory. Every small vote count, gradually forming the final outcome.
A different scenario is pretending that nothing is happening or believing we can completely ignore these changes and remain unaffected by emerging technologies. Surprisingly, many people, especially older generations, choose this path and mindset. (My wife included!).
Unfortunately, I don’t think that approach will work. Not buying or driving a car did not stop the combustion engine revolution. Denial and ignorance do not necessarily halt large-scale technological or societal shifts.
That said, if you choose not to engage with or try to ignore the digital transformation happening around us**,** your “Rome” might end up very different from mine. Strange, isn’t it? Same time, same place, yet a completely different reality.
How is that possible, you might wonder?
The answer might be complex, but one common factor stands out: input and output. What you load in is what comes out – I call it the IO effect.
Some people recognised this long ago and called it the ‘mirror rule‘, suggesting that the attitude and energy we project into the world often come back to us.
It is the Phenomena referred to as Reciprocity & Mirroring.
The combination of psychological and social experiences and in this particular case – technical and algorithmic ingredients added.
Reciprocity is a powerful force in human interactions. When you approach others with positivity and kindness, you are more likely to receive the same energy in return. It is a natural part of how we connect as humans.
Emotional contagion takes this a step further – emotions are highly infectious. The vibes you project, whether uplifting or gloomy, can directly influence the mood and actions of the people around you, creating a ripple effect in your social circles.
Then there is the self-fulfilling prophecy. When you expect good things to happen and act with that belief, your thoughts and behaviours naturally align with making those outcomes a reality. On the flip side, negativity can create unnecessary roadblocks, keeping you stuck in a cycle of disappointment.
Science backs this up with the role of mirror neurons – specialised brain cells that fire when we observe others’ actions or emotions. These neurons help us empathise and emotionally synchronise with those around us, showing just how interconnected we really are.
Lastly, perspective and interpretation play a massive role in how we experience life. The lens we use to interpret events shapes our reality. A positive mindset helps us spot opportunities even in tough situations, reinforcing the idea that what we project is reflected back to us.
Altogether, the “mirror effect” is this fascinating blend of psychology, social dynamics, and mindset. It accentuates how much influence we have over our own experiences, based on the energy and attitude we choose to bring into the world.
Now, we have AI added to it, the AI Mirror I may say.
I will stop here to avoid overcomplicating things and leave room for you, dear readers, to exercise your independent critical thinking, imagination, and our beautiful human logic.
Please do not remain silent or stay dormant – share your thoughts and have your say, whatever they may be*. Those who are absent are not in the right!*
Happy New Year from the Author.
Originally published at: