Chapter 1: The Human Element in Automation

As someone who identifies as an introvert, I often find myself avoiding conversations with unfamiliar individuals, particularly over the phone. In fact, I would rather endure a visit to the dentist or doctor than engage in a phone call. However, I must admit that there are moments when speaking with a real person proves invaluable, particularly when dealing with complex issues that automated systems simply cannot resolve.

Recently, I encountered a challenge when I received a replacement bank card from a U.S. bank. Despite being Canadian, I maintain a U.S. bank account for convenience, as my income sometimes comes in U.S. dollars (thanks to platforms like Medium), and we frequently travel there. The account is mainly used for withdrawals and debit card purchases, making it easy for me to forget my online banking credentials.

To activate my new card, I needed to log into my online account. Unfortunately, I was at a loss for my login details, having set them up years ago. The reset process required my Social Security Number, which I do not possess as a non-U.S. citizen. After some hesitation, I decided to call customer support to regain access to my online banking. The thought of speaking with a representative was daunting, so I felt a wave of relief when I was greeted by an automated system.

However, that relief was short-lived. The automated prompts eventually led to the dreaded question: "What is your Social Security Number?" Frustration set in as I realized that I could not provide the information needed to proceed. The robotic voice kept repeating the question, leaving me trapped in a loop with no option to speak to a human. All I wanted was to reset my username and password so that I could activate my card. What should have been a straightforward task became a significant obstacle.

I also had the option to activate my card through an app, but, of course, that app is unavailable in my country. The situation left me exasperated, wishing for the chance to explain my predicament to a real person. Instead, I now face the prospect of addressing this issue in person during our upcoming vacation, which will take time away from our holiday plans. I recognize that these are indeed “first world problems,” but it underscores a critical flaw in automated systems. Sometimes, genuine human interaction is essential.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe that relying on automation has gone too far?

Chapter 2: The Future of Work in an Automated Landscape

In this section, we delve into how automation is reshaping our professional environments, often at the expense of personal connection.

The first video titled The Future of Work in an Automated World examines how automation impacts various industries and the necessity of human involvement in decision-making processes.

The second video, An Automated World - A Different Lens, offers a fresh perspective on the implications of automation in our daily lives and the importance of maintaining human touchpoints.

And be sure to explore my other writings, including Mindful Mental Health, Penny Press, and Beautiful Choices. My personal publication, Inkslinger Magazine, features a mix of fiction and nonfiction.