AI – Authentic Immersion

Sometimes, I find myself yearning for a pause button or even the ability to halt the relentless march of technological progress. My current technology ecosystem, including my computers, smartphone, tablet, and cameras, already exceeds my needs, and I have no demand for more speed, features, or pixels.

As we reflect on the year 2023 in the future, I am confident that it will be remembered as the year when artificial intelligence truly began to permeate our lives. I appreciate the current possibilities AI offers, but I do not need further advancements. Stop. Freeze here, please! However, I am aware that we have only scratched the surface, and AI will undoubtedly have an enormous impact on our future.

Many industries will face challenges due to the disruption caused by these advancing technologies. There are plenty of examples from the last 20 years of market leaders that went out of business within a few years. Where are Blockbuster, Kodak, or Nokia these days?

With the increasing prevalence of AI and related technologies like augmented reality and spatial computing, I firmly believe that authentic and immersive experiences in nature, such as diving, will assume even greater importance in our quest for genuine experiences. It is my prediction that diving will be an even more sought-after experience in the future. I don’t think the diving industry, certifying agencies, or diving communities need to fear a disruptive wave from AI. While advanced technology enhances our capabilities and opens new horizons, it is through authentic experiences in nature that we can ground ourselves and find solace from the digital realm.

The allure of nature lies in its ability to transport us beyond the confines of screens and algorithms, to awaken our senses, and to remind us of our place in the vast tapestry of life. It offers a sanctuary for introspection, a space where we can unplug from the constant stream of information and reconnect with our surroundings.

Diving and exploration provide participants with authentic experiences by offering a unique and immersive encounter with the underwater world, fostering connections with nature, presenting physical and mental challenges, and allowing them to escape from the ordinary, all while building meaningful relationships with fellow divers.

Just to add a meta layer to this editor’s letter and to provide full transparency: it is partly written with the assistance of AI. Who knows? Maybe AI will take over the editing of Quest one day? So be it. I will go diving instead.

Dive safe and have fun!

Jesper Kjøller Editor-in-Chief jk@gue.com

Editor-in-chief

// Jesper Kjøller

Editorial panel

// Michael Menduno

// Amanda White

Design and layout

// Jesper Kjøller

Copy editing

// Pat Jablonski

// Kady Smith

Writers

// Dimitris Fifis

// Neal W. Pollock

// Brad Beskin

// Jesper Kjøller

// Kirill Egorov

// Dan Mackay

// Daniel Riordan

// Fred Devos

// Todd Kincaid

// Chris Le Maillot

// Jarrod Jablonski

Photographers

// Kirill Egorov

// Jesper Kjøller

// Julian Műhlenhaus

// Peter Gaertner

// Mike Rall

// Derk Remmers

// Katy Fraser

// Rich Denmark

// Fred Devos