The ubiquitous presence of smartphones and social media in our lives has given rise to an era dominated by screens. Paradoxically, the device we continue to call a ‘phone’ is seldom used for its original purpose in 2023, having evolved into a portal for diverse digital interactions. The average user dedicates approximately eight hours a day to this screen-oriented existence.
However, a shift is on the horizon, heralded by the rise of AI assistants. As we increasingly turn to these virtual companions for assistance, a parallel can be drawn with the transformative journey of the ‘phone’. The escalating adoption of AI assistants is poised to reverse the trend of increasing screen time, leading to a gradual yet significant reduction.
This shift promises an intriguing paradox: increased digital interaction, but decreased screen engagement. As we interact more verbally with AI assistants, our dependency on screens may diminish. This could, in an unexpected twist of fate, result in us being more present in our immediate surroundings, more tuned into the here and now.
The primary device enabling this change is likely to be the earbud, facilitating seamless, hands-free interaction with AI. With AI assistants engaging us primarily through auditory communication, we may only turn to our screens when visual aids enhance the comprehension or consumption of information, such as images or maps. This evolution of interaction could potentially redefine our relationship with technology, fostering a more balanced and less screen-dominated digital experience.