Leqture Speakers
Techno philosopher and author
Availability
Time zone
Timezone: Amsterdam (CET)
Rens van der Vorst
Rens van der Vorst is a techno philosopher and author of best-selling books on technology. With his grounded knowledge, he helps to think about the impact of technology on our lives and society. As a philosopher he reflects on this and, with great humor, shares his thoughts with his students and audiences. Does technology make our lives better? Do we even know what is better? How do we make sure we don't become dependent on our phones? Rens chafes, entertains and inspires. His goal is for everyone to become a little techno philosopher.
All Leqtures by this speaker
Screen Addiction: How to have a rewarding relationship with technology
In the 1970s we were massively addicted to cigarettes. Now again many people have a difficult relationship with an addictive product: the apps on our smartphones. However, our complete attitude towards smoking has now changed and we smoke much less. What can we learn from that? And what lessons will help us make our screens work for us instead of the other way around? How do we ensure that we are not addicted to our screens, but that they help us become a better professional, parent or friend?
Being Human In Times Of Exponential Technology.
Rens van der Vorst examines how technology is reshaping individuals and society, highlighting concerns about privacy, ethics, and our understanding of humanity. He uses examples like toilets with anal print recognition to illustrate potential biases and the dangers of relying too heavily on technology for decision-making, advocating for a focus on individual needs. Rens discusses how technology influences daily life, such as weather apps and online education, which alter human interactions. He also compares data-driven hospitals to dating apps, warning of skewed perceptions due to algorithmic biases. Emphasizing the need to understand the strengths and limitations of AI, he cautions against over-reliance on these systems without proper oversight. Rens advocates for technology that enhances human potential rather than exploiting negativity and stresses the importance of law and consumer awareness in shaping a better technological future. He remains skeptical of AI's ability to solve complex issues like climate change, citing political will as a greater challenge.