Human connection as infrastructure | Yohay Elam | TEDxEsei School Barcelona

AI significantly boosts productivity, with applications built without code and even providing relationship advice. However, the rapid pace of AI development risks eroding human connection, which is crucial for well-being and productivity. Research shows even small human interactions increase belonging by 17%, while meaningful connections improve mental health, boost productivity by 56%, reduce turnover by 50%, and cut sick days by 75%. Human connection is decaying due to increased remote work post-pandemic and the rise of AI. AI empowers individuals to do more, creating roles like "full-stack builders" who perform the work of entire teams, and even leaders for AI agents. This productivity gain comes at the cost of human connection, as AI companions, though supportive, cannot replace genuine friendships. Excessive individualism risks losing human touch, trust, belonging, and increasing loneliness, potentially turning us into "high-performing strangers." However, AI, as a technology, can be a force multiplier for good. We can use it to build "human connection infrastructure" through two pillars: outreach and interdependency. Outreach involves actively maintaining connections, like rekindling a friendship with AI-generated conversation starters. People often underestimate the positive impact of such outreach by 15-20%, and this behavior can be modeled to create lasting effects. Interdependency, like the Catalan human towers where trust and mutual reliance are paramount, is another key. In the workplace, AI could detect communication slumps, alerting us to prevent project failures or employee departures. The data for this already exists in communication patterns. As professionals, we must stay updated with AI while also incorporating these pillars of human connection. This creates well-maintained "bridges" between people, leading to longer tenure, better experiences, and increased productivity. While running alone might be faster, running with others allows us to go further. Co-intelligence is best when the human element remains fully human, emphasizing intentional connection with family, friends, and colleagues, and attending in-person events.