Digital Restraint (Digital Sanyam): Are we using AI 'correctly'?

In today's rapidly changing digital era, remaining untouched by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer possible. If we want to remain relevant, proving our competence and securing the future, accepting and adopting AI is a natural process.

However, in this race of technology, a very big ethical question stands before us: "Does availability mean that we should use it indiscriminately?"

AI: As a Resource like Water

If we compare AI with 'water', then the situation becomes even clearer. Water is essential for life and is also available in abundant quantities in many places. But those who waste water in vain are not only exploiting a natural resource, but indirectly they are also snatching the rights of those people to whom that resource is not able to reach.

Exactly in the same way, massive amounts of computing power and energy are required to run AI models. Unnecessary usage of AI not only increases our carbon footprint, but it is also a kind of 'digital violence' that puts a burden on the environment and ecosystem.

Non-hoarding (Aparigraha) and Digital Restraint

While using technology, we must adopt the principles of 'self-restraint' and 'non-hoarding' (Aparigraha).

• Need vs. Greed: AI should be used only as much as is 'absolutely necessary' (must).
• Mindful Usage: Is AI truly needed to write this email or for this small task? Or can I do this myself?

When we use AI without reason, only for hoarding of convenience (Parigraha), then we blunt our own mental capabilities (cognitive skills) and creativity.

A Balanced Future

With limited and precise usage, not only will our personal development proceed in the right direction, but we will also leave space for others in society. If we become 100% dependent on machines, then we will unknowingly create obstacles in the employment and work efficiency (job roles) of others.

"Just because AI is available, does it mean we must consume it indiscriminately?"

The Challenge to Leaders

As the AI Summit India kicks off today (Feb 16), the conversations are rightfully focused on innovation. While the summit discusses "AI for All," we must also champion "Conscious AI Consumption." We don't need to be slaves to technology; we need to be its wise masters.