Securadin Blogs 2024

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2024 Blogs

How Technology is Making Us Lazy and Destroying Our Critical Thinking Skills

In recent times, technology has become an integral part of our lives. The rapid growth of social media, gaming, and smartphones is what defines this generation. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and even think. Although technology has several benefits, like making our lives simpler, more comfortable, and accessible, it has failed us in one aspect- critical thinking and cognitive skills. It has nurtured a culture of ease, instant gratification, and laziness. Technology is making us dumber and has destroyed our critical thinking skills. In this blog post, we will discuss the extent to which technology has failed this generation by enabling the lack of critical thinking and cognitive skills.

The ease of access of all the information at the click of a button has made us complacent, lazy thinkers. Access to instant information is affecting our ability to think critically and rationally. Technology has done the thinking for us, making us dependent. We need to re-learn the basic skills of learning, analyzing, and investigating that technology has taken away.

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Social media platforms are known to create echo chambers. Algorithms feed us content that we have already shown interest in without exposing us to opposing views. It creates an environment where our beliefs are reinforced and our thoughts never challenged. Without the skill of critical thinking or analyzing, we become susceptible to fake news, propaganda and misinformation. The lack of critical thinking has led to the rise of fake news in the digital age.

Technology has made us disinclined to engage in face-to-face interactions. Our communication style has become more casual and less attentive. This shift has made us less articulate and more uncivil in our communication. Social media platforms have also given a platform for online harassment and cyberbullying, promoting toxic communication behaviors.

Jan 3

Creative thinking involves brainstorming, coming up with new ideas, and connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, which technology does little to help. With access to templates and pre-set formulas, we have forgotten how to be creative and invent new solutions. Creativity inspires innovation, and with technology as a crutch, innovation will go down the drain. We have been conditioned to grow accustomed to instant gratification, which technology has facilitated. This quick-fix culture has made us less adaptable to putting in the hard work and effort required to achieve real success. We need to learn to be patient and put in the time and effort it takes to achieve what we want.

Technology has evolved so rapidly that we were ill-prepared to see it's long term effects on our ability to think critically, solve problems, and grow creatively. Technology, though useful, has disadvantages. It has enabled us to become less important in the digital era, diminishing our cognitive abilities, and reducing our aptitude for real human connections. We must learn to draw a line and balance our use of technology to help us with our lives instead of allowing it to rule our lives. It is time that we take responsibility and be proactive in creating a new culture around technology, one that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and cognitive skills.

Live a Little, Break the Rules and Succeed in Life

Updated: Jan 10

I dedicate this blog to a friend of mine we will call him "Rocky"

Growing up, (myself included) many of us were taught to follow the rules, toe the line, and stay within the bounds of acceptable behavior. We learned to conform, to fit in, to stay in your lane and to avoid rocking the boat. Today, that kind of thinking can lead to stagnation, missed opportunities, and in some cases downright depression. To really succeed in life, we need to break rules, challenge authority, and be creative.

Before you can successfully "break the rules", make damn sure you understand them. This means taking the time to fully comprehend why a certain rule or regulation exists, what it is designed to accomplish, who the audience is... and what the potential consequences are for breaking it. Armed with actionable intelligence, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to break the rule and how to do so in a way that minimizes your risk.

After understanding, fully comprehending the "rule" (and WHY it was originally installed) then and only then should you evaluate whether to "bend" or "break" it. Some other forms of this process may actually be deciding to make yourself the "martyr" of a process or rule that is ineffective. In all cases remember, as an agent of change myself... this process is rarely pain free. You have been warnedFor the record: I am not an attorney, and this in no way is legal advice!

Jan 8

If you are still reading, well, no risk, no reward, eh? I wish someone would have mentored me or told me this when I was younger. Maybe I wasn't ready until I was older, or "matured", but here we are. If you ever feel undervalued, that you are not in the right position, that you have more to give - you are probably right. If you are told to "stay in your lane" (my personal favorite), "that is not your problem", or "follow the chain of command" - chances are you are already starting this process. Have some faith in yourself, listen to your inner voice - you have value. Your boss?? They are not going to look back at you in the mirror each morning, nor are they going to read "I wish I would have worked more" on your gravestone.

Breaking the rules requires a certain amount of confidence and courage. You're not going to get very far if you're constantly second-guessing yourself or deferring to others. Instead, you need to be willing to challenge authority, speak up, and assert your own ideas and opinions. You don't have to be confrontational, but you do need to be assertive and express yourself clearly, confidently and most importantly respectfully.

To break the rules effectively, you need to be creative. This means looking for new and innovative ways to do things, approaching problems from different angles, and thinking outside the box. Creativity allows you to see things differently and come up with solutions that others might miss. So don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and take risks. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become, and the more successful you'll be.

Sometimes, breaking the rules can be lonely and isolating. It can make you feel like an outsider or a rebel, even if you're doing it for valid reasons. (Just ask Bill Gates or the Woz.) That's why it's important to build a support network of like-minded individuals who share your ideals and ethics. A network that will elevate you and that can provide both emotional and practical support. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and friends who understand your goals and has the ability and capacity to help you achieve them.

Change comes with its own sets of risks and consequences. You need to be mentally prepared for them and willing to accept them if they come. This means understanding what the potential repercussions are, both personally and professionally, and being willing to face them head-on. But if you believe in what you're doing, if you're passionate and committed to your vision, then the rewards can outweigh the risks.

Keep in mind that doing nothing is still a choice – there are pros and cons to that as well, and that is also all on you. You are the only one that can and will have to live with that choice.

Running off the rails or looking at “the man” squarely in the face and challenging authority or the status quo can be scary, but it's also essential for personal and professional, and yes, even legislative growth. Following these tips, you can learn to break rules effectively and with purpose, rather than simply rebelling for the sake of it. So go forth, be creative, challenge authority, and make your mark on the world.

Doing nothing – well that will keep things the way that they have always been.

ISO 42001:2023 and the Analog Struggle to 'Control' AI: A Governance Model Doomed to Fail?

Artificial intelligence (AI), in it's infancy and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently introduced ISO 42001:2023 are starting their first round of many boxing matches. ISO/IEC recently published an attempt to establish a governance model for controlling AI. While the intention behind this standard is commendable, the analog approach taken by ISO raises eyebrows, hinting at a potential failure to effectively regulate and guide the rapidly advancing field of AI.

ISO 42001:2023, touted as a comprehensive governance model for AI, relies heavily on analog principles that may not fully grasp the nuances and complexities of the digital realm. Typically these principals are executives steeped either in code development or management neither of which understand the complexities of the other. In an era where AI algorithms are constantly pushing boundaries, the question arises: Can a set of analog (nonautomated) control standards truly keep pace with the dynamic and everevolving nature of artificial intelligence?

Some critics argue that ISO 42001:2023 is fundamentally flawed in its attempt to control AI. The standard's static nature and rigid analog framework may hinder innovation rather than fostering it. AI, by its very nature, thrives on adaptability and learning from data, making it challenging to regulate with a fixed set of rules, deigned to be controlled by a "governance committee" that doesn't understand it.

Jan 17

One of the most controversial aspects of ISO 42001:2023 is its perceived inability to bridge the governance gap between traditional industries and the AI-driven future. The standard appears to be a product of conventional thinking, lacking the agility required to regulate an industry that constantly pushes technological boundaries. The Standard relies heavily on an "analog" people driven governance model that has not been very automated or technically forward thinking in the past.

While the intention behind ISO 42001:2023 is to ensure responsible and ethical AI development, there are concerns that the analog nature of the standard may lead to unintended consequences. Stricter regulations might stifle innovation, creating a conservative environment that hampers the very progress it aims to guide.

Advocates for a more dynamic governance model argue that AI regulation should mirror the adaptive nature of the technology itself. They propose continuous, data-driven assessments and real-time updates to standards, rather than a static set of rules that may quickly become obsolete in the fastpaced world of AI development.

In conclusion ISO/IEC 42001:2023's attempt to control AI through an analog governance model raises pertinent questions about its effectiveness and adaptability. While the pursuit of ethical AI is crucial, critics argue that a more dynamic and digitally native approach is needed to keep pace with the relentless advancements in artificial intelligence. The controversy surrounding ISO 42001:2023 underscores the broader debate about striking the right balance between regulation and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of AI.

While these thoughts are my own, what are yours?

Why I'm Quitting LinkedIn

LinkedIn, once a beacon for professional networking, has become a relentless battleground of solicitations. The platform, theoretically designed to connect professionals and foster genuine business relationships, has devolved into an incessant barrage of sales pitches and unsolicited messages.

The Problem with LinkedIn

Let’s be honest: LinkedIn was never meant to be a digital marketplace. It began as a platform where professionals could connect, share insights, and grow their careers. Over time, however, it has morphed into something entirely different. Every day, my inbox is flooded with messages from people trying to sell me a tool, promote a B2B service, or pitch some product that I have no interest in. This constant noise drowns out the real value that LinkedIn once provided.

The issue isn't just the volume of these messages but their nature. They're impersonal, automated, and transparent in their sole aim: to make a sale. This relentless persecution from solicitors is disheartening and takes away the joy of genuine professional engagement.

My Solution: The Digital Trust Ecosystem

In my quest for a more meaningful professional network, I discovered The Digital Trust Ecosystem (The DTE). This invitation-only community is a haven for subject matter experts. It's a place where ideas are shared openly, where communication is sincere, and where learning about topics we are passionate about comes from actual experts not from someone trying to sell me something.

May 22

The DTE stands in stark contrast to the chaos of LinkedIn. Here, I can engage in thoughtful discussions, exchange valuable insights, and grow my expertise without the constant interruption of sales pitches. It's refreshing to be part of a community where the focus is on genuine professional growth, not on someone’s sales quota.

Why The DTE Works

The beauty of The DTE lies in its exclusivity and purpose. It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the quality of interactions. The community is curated to include individuals who are truly passionate about their fields and are eager to share their knowledge. This creates an environment where learning and professional development are prioritized over sales and marketing.

Moreover, The DTE fosters a culture of trust and respect. Members are there to contribute, collaborate, and learn from one another. This mutual respect is what makes The DTE a unique and invaluable resource for professionals like myself.

Conclusion: A Thought on Professional Networking

LinkedIn's transformation into a marketplace is a natural evolution given the pressures of commercialization. However, it no longer serves my need for genuine professional interactions without the underlying motive of sales.

By moving to The Digital Trust Ecosystem, I’m choosing quality over quantity. I’m choosing a professional community where my engagement is valued for what it is, not for what it can be sold. And above all, I’m choosing to invest my time in conversations and connections that truly matter.

If you’re tired of the relentless solicitations and long for a community that values real professional growth, consider exploring The Digital Trust Ecosystem. Let’s bring back the essence of professional networking. Now there is a thought.

Learn more about The Digital Trust Ecosystem: The DTE

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