We often say we’re different from other mammals. We take pride in our ability to think, to reason, to analyze. We call ourselves evolving thanks to our cognition, comprehension, intellect, and imagination. But if these qualities define us as humans, what happens when we begin outsourcing them to technology?
Recent research from MIT suggests a slow cognitive decline when we rely too heavily on AI tools like the ChatGPT. And I’ve noticed it too in conversations, in choices, in how quickly we reach for a device instead of our own thoughts. It’s a subtle surrender of our thinking power, all in the name of convenience. Are we, perhaps unknowingly, giving up our sense of individualism? Our autonomy, the ability to choose, to act deliberately, to decide with intention, is being chipped away every time we opt for ease over effort. These tiny compromises add up. And over time, they can erode what makes us uniquely human.
This isn’t an argument against technology. I’m writing this with the help of it, after all. But it is a call to reclaim our independence. To know when to engage and when to disengage. It’s about being deliberate. About finding balance. Because every decision we make whether it’s about our health, our families, our environment, or our passions can be an opportunity to assert our humanity.
So, what are you contributing to? We need to stop being passive consumers of life and start participating with our intention. Ask yourself: What am I contributing to? Why am I here? What is my purpose? Studies from the U.S. and global “Blue Zones” (regions where people live the longest) reveal that purpose not wealth, not success, not social media validation is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. It’s about having something to wake up for. Something to live for. That could mean staying healthy, creating something meaningful, or giving it back to your community. It doesn’t have to be world-changing, it just must matter to you.
Technology should serve you, not replace you. Let’s not allow it to become a crutch that lulls us into laziness or inaction. Use it to make life easier, sure, but never at the cost of critical thinking, real human connection, or honest reflection. Every scroll, every swipe, every time we zone out into a screen is a moment we risk losing our ability to be fully present, to think deeply, and to feel genuinely.
To be human is not about perfection, it’s about presence. As a mother, I feel this deeply. I don’t want to cut corners in that role. Whether it’s cooking organic meals for my kids, limiting their screen time, or dancing around the living room with them, those are the moments when I feel most alive, most connected, most human. I’m also a professional, trying (not always successfully) to stay consistent with yoga, prioritize my health, and be more present in my own body. I try to contribute to my community in small ways by organizing lake cleanups, supporting animal welfare efforts, or even just planting sunflowers on my terrace after reading how they support local biodiversity.
Of course, we can’t do everything. But we can do something. We can choose to show up in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities. Pick something up. Volunteer. Mentor a student. Clean public spaces. Help with an animal shelter. Plant a garden. Just pick something up and stick with it. It will help the planet, your community, and you.
And don’t forget joy. Take the liberty to indulge. To take a break. To rest. To treat yourself to a massage. To go for a hike. To nap in the afternoon. To do absolutely nothing. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
The more we return to intention, to presence, to purpose, the more we reclaim what it means to be truly human.
And ultimately, isn’t that what most of us want? A meaningful, connected, long, and well-lived life?
Take the time. Reflect. Reconnect. Reclaim.
