Commodifying Humanity

In a future where the rarity of authentic experience is cherished and preserved, the fabric of our interactions and society is reshaped. And in that future, it's not technology that defines leadership—but those most capable of being human.

What if I told you that in the future, the most valuable commodity in modern society would be the genuine human experience?

That, as technology continues to push us into automated, artificial ways of interaction. The diminishing understanding of "the human experience" will be transformed into that of sentiment, with fewer and fewer generations having access to the visceral nature of experience.

That with the advent of the iPhone, generational erosion of not only the senses associated with experience but also the motivations to have genuine experience would lay the foundation for an AI/VR-fueled opportunity where the industrial machine set its eyes on the value of "human experience" and recognized it as "the next" commodifiable natural resource of our world.

Like oil before it, in an age of AI-enhanced tech, human experience will be sold as an artisanal asset to a consumer market yearning for connection. It will be cultivated and sold to Industry as a competitive advantage, increasing institutional strengths and key differentiators.

"Human experience" expertise will encompass understanding human skills and the fundamental attributes gained through tactile interaction with the environment, best articulated as "essence."

If what I describe feels far-fetched, please take a sip of your store-bought bottled water and keep reading.

Social media and smartphones laid the foundation that AI technologies have built upon, taking us closer to this reality. Permeating every aspect of our lives, this erosion of authentic interaction has evolved into something else entirely: the commodification of the human experience within an increasingly artificial landscape.

It effectively reshapes how we interact, learn, and engage with one another. Everyday tasks are now automated, leading to a dual-edged sword: on the one side, we experience increased efficiency; on the other, the genuine connections stemming from human interaction continue to diminish. With AI delivering instant answers and solutions, the authentic human touch (development through adversity, the warmth, and nuances of interpersonal communications) becomes less prevalent, increasing in rarity.

Rarity Drives Value.

In time, organizations and economies will begin recognizing the intrinsic worth of authentic human experiences. As a world of interactions impacted by AI and tech becomes saturated, the desire for genuine human connection transitions from a niche market to a quantifiable demand market.

More companies will prioritize cultivating meaningful experiences with an understanding of how to productize them and positioning these offerings as services that pair technology with a depth of human knowledge. Imagine products grounded in everything from emotional intelligence and empathy to personal storytelling and the "art of thinking."

Educational institutions will develop curricula to develop core human capabilities (such as communication, adaptability, and ethical reasoning) to meet the new economy's demands. A more "human-centric candidate" demonstrates high emotional acuity, situational awareness, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. Their value won't stem from how efficiently they can operate within a system but from how effectively they can humanize it.

But this new world is not void of challenges. Equity continues to present a significant issue as this new market defines itself. The gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" adds a new complexity, as there will be those who can afford these artisanal human experiences and those who cannot. This new factor only exacerbates existing inequalities, as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited opportunities for genuine human interactions, as cheaper technology presents similar interactions as an affordable substitute.

Fear Not! What if I told you we still had a chance to prevent this? That this reality was not inevitable?

Many people and communities have the power to influence where humanity goes from here. By putting human experience over corporate interests, we can collectively challenge the commodification of our lives and ensure that cultural centers become spaces that nurture and uplift our humanity.

Engaging underserved communities is essential in this mission. We can create initiatives emphasizing access to resources, education, and opportunities that respect and enhance the human experience and balance technological advancement with human dignity.

By working together, fostering collaboration among organizations, and advocating for equitable distribution of services, we can build a vibrant future where everyone has the tools to thrive and be seen, rather than being marginalized in a market-driven "pay-to-be" society.

Ultimately, as AI continues to weave its way into daily life, the ability to be authentic sustains our societal recognition of what it is to be human. Those who prioritize creating and maintaining this authenticity for all will not only stand to gain economically but will contribute significantly to the legacy of our humanity.

Christopher Morales currently serves as the Director of Digital Initiatives with Business Agility Institute, where he provides strategic support with marketing/communications, product design, and technology adoption/implementation.

With over 20 years of experience in media, business, and digital strategy, Christopher brings a unique, hands-on perspective to agile leadership and business development. His past work has supported organizations like ESPN, Microsoft, IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, and non-profits like Ceca Foundation.

As a human-centric, adaptive leader, Christopher is passionate about helping teams make smarter, more sustainable decisions in today’s rapidly changing landscape. As founder of Electrick Media, he aims to support AI-driven projects and their adoption by small to medium US and European businesses.

The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.