Language in the Age of AI and Social Media | Aisha Yousaf | TEDxRiphah Intl U

Language and Communication - Approximately 7,000 languages exist, yet humans have limited communication, choosing to be deaf and mute metaphorically [1] - Human civilization's achievement lies in imbuing sounds with meaning, defining language as the act of filling words and sounds with significance [1] - Language facilitates deeper connections beyond basic needs, enabling expression of emotions and abstract concepts [1] - The creation of shared meanings for sounds and words led to the development of transactional language, enhancing mutual understanding [1] - Language allows for the creation of immaterial worlds, perceiving beauty and potential beyond the physical [1] - Poetry became a testament to human existence, used to convey humanity across distances [1] Modern Society and Technology - Modern individuals rely on social media, using likes, hearts, and follower counts to define social value and status [1] - There is a concern that modern society is becoming a dystopian world where individuals are identified by numbers rather than names, reminiscent of dystopian literature [1] - Modern individuals willingly embrace a one-dimensional existence, driven by consumerism and the fear of missing out (FOMO) [1] - Protecting language and expression is crucial to preserving imagination and thought in the face of technological advancements [1] - The current era is described as post-human, with transhumanism aiming to enhance humanity through technology, raising questions about the balance between human and technological influence [1]