Transhumanism: new networks, new co-workers, new frontiers
The integration of artificial intelligence into the workforce is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s the beginning of a new era where humans and technology collaborate as co-workers.
Transhumanism is upon us.
I’m beginning to build out my workshops on The Future of Work for Portland State University in September. And I have to say, it’s exciting to envision what work could be like in (literally) just a few years. Some early thoughts, inspired in large part by Scott Klososky, FPOV’s work on the ‘organizational mind, or omind’…
The Future of Work: embracing human and AI teamwork
Imagine a seamlessly connected network—a collective intelligence that transcends every set of individual capabilities in any organization. In the very near future, AI-enabled systems will serve as connective tissue, augmenting human abilities and fostering unprecedented levels of collaboration and efficiency. By handling repetitive and data-intensive tasks, AI will allow human workers to leverage our unique strengths—creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.
In this new partnership, AI doesn't replace human workers but enhances their contributions. Fantastically, the mundane is transformed into the extraordinary as AI handles routine tasks with increasing precision and speed. This leaves space and time for humans to innovate, solve more complex problems, and drive organizational growth.
And, for organizations who employ them, having people leave will no longer mean they take their intellect and experience out the door with them. For better and worse, employee thoughts and feelings will be integrated into the organizational culture and infrastructure forever.
Blood, sweat and tears are new nodes of a new network
Historically, humans have been users of networks composed of hardware and software; where nodes were made up of servers and routers with computers as end points; cables connecting them for maximum speed and throughput. In the (very near) future, we see people becoming integral components of the network itself, in essence, adding blood, sweat and tears to the network’s mix.
We think the concept of a seamlessly connected network perfectly embodies the integration of human and artificial intelligence - transhumanism at scale.
It represents a unified - but never uniform - workforce where the strengths of each are amplified, leading to a more dynamic, adaptable, and resilient working environment. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for enhanced collaboration and productivity grows, paving the way for a future where this connected, ‘transhuman’ network is not just a concept, but a reality.
Networks are / will no longer be under the sole purview of IT
IT pros have been largely responsible for the networks of the past. As we grapple with “who owns AI” today, (often the concept is thrown over the fence to IT) we’re in a whole new world now, and need to envision the future quickly in order to shape it for the new workforce - people plus machines...
New networks in this new frontier will be the responsibility of (likely) the CEO / COO, given that people and technology will co-work, co-produce and co-manage processes in most organizations. In listening to Scott, I truly believe - that by 2027 or 2028 - leading organizations will recognize, develop and nurture ‘transhumanism’ and the new transhuman network as critical organizational assets.
Getting to know transhumanism
Transhumanism was a relatively new concept to me when I first saw it in this context. As I do now, with new concepts, I asked my friend Claude to tell me about ‘transumanism,’ and I came away with this description (emphases mine):
Transhumanism is a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the enhancement of the human condition through advanced technologies. It aims to greatly expand human capabilities, both physical and cognitive, beyond current biological limitations.
Key aspects of transhumanism include:
Using science and technology to improve human mental and physical characteristics
Extending human lifespan, potentially to the point of radical life extension or even immortality
Augmenting human intelligence through brain-computer interfaces or artificial intelligence
Enhancing human bodies with cybernetic implants or genetic engineering
Transhumanists believe that emerging technologies like nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science can be used to overcome fundamental human limitations. The ultimate goal for many transhumanists is to create a "posthuman" state where humans have capabilities so greatly expanded from our current state that they can no longer be unambiguously called human by our current standards.
This philosophy raises numerous ethical, social, and philosophical questions about the nature of humanity and the implications of such radical changes to the human condition.
While I don’t think we’ll be reaching the ‘posthuman’ state for decades (yep, I said decades), we’re already augmenting human intelligence and enhancing human bodies with technology today. So the vision for a transhuman network is relatively imminent.
And as Claude could see (especially in working with me), this vision is not without its potential downfalls. As we prepare for the future, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the challenges that may arise from this newly integrated network of people and technology.
Translating tomorrow’s transhuman concerns in today’s context
One significant concern is the risk of over-reliance on AI systems. When too much trust is placed in automated processes, critical human oversight might diminish, leading to vulnerabilities in decision-making and problem-solving. (We’ve just experienced the CrowdStrike meltdown - showcasing the simple risk of over-reliance on today’s network technologies. Multiply those effects by literally millions as the transhuman network takes shape.)
Additionally, this interconnected network could inadvertently stifle individual creativity and innovation. In a highly integrated system, there is a danger of groupthink, where the diversity of thought is overshadowed by a collective consensus. This could limit the exploration of novel ideas and hinder the dynamic progress we seek.
Data privacy and security also emerge as paramount concerns. The interconnected nature of this network means that vast amounts of data are shared and processed continuously. Especially in a world where oversight of water cooler technologies (Teams, Slack channels, etc.) proliferate, people could (and in some cases, arguably should) stop expressing real sentiments, no longer comfortable to ‘tell it like it is,’ and suppressing speaking truth to power.
Safeguarding data against breaches and ensuring ethical use becomes a monumental task that requires robust governance frameworks and constant vigilance.
The deep need for human understanding in a transhuman world
In embracing this future, organizations must strike a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining human oversight. We must begin fostering a culture of continuous learning, ethical awareness, and data security, all critical elements for building the human capital of the future. Only through doing so can we mitigate the risks associated with this interconnected network.
The future of work is not about AI taking over but about AI and humans working together in harmony, each complementing the other’s strengths. This vision promises a transformative impact on the workplace, where the combination of human and AI capabilities creates a powerful force for progress.
With gratitude for the thoughtful work, thank you Scott Koslosky, and your inspiring work on ‘Synthetic Intelligence, Architecting the Organizational Mind.’ And we got additional support on this post from our friend Claude, as well as ChatGPT.
Resources from AIGG on your AI Journey
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