"Superpower": Prof. Riva's article in Corriere della Sera

In the age of artificial intelligence, our social "superpower" is human capital. Linguistic AI tools can't generate it. These are some of the topics that Professor Giuseppe Riva, Director of HTLab, addressed in an article in Corriere della Sera, published on Monday 18 December 2023.

The article by Prof. Giuseppe Riva for Corriere della Sera explores the concept of "human capital" in the era of artificial intelligence. It is emphasized that what makes us truly human is not only intelligence or creativity, but also our social "superpower", represented by human capital. This concept, introduced by economists, indicates the economic value of our knowledge, skills and experience within society.

It highlights that human capital not only makes us smarter, but also prepares us to face life's challenges, such as finding work or contributing to the common good. However, human capital is primarily generated through social interaction, and without this sociality, intelligence and creativity do not necessarily translate into human capital.

It also discusses "We-mode", an important social mode of cognitive functioning that is activated through the shared experience of a physical place. This modality promotes group cohesion and allows you to plan and implement collective actions that go beyond individual abilities.

However, despite the advantages of technology, it is not yet able to fully reproduce the function of the We-mode and collective intentions, which are fundamental to the creation of social capital. The progressive shift of relationships from physical places to social networks has weakened the ability to activate the We-mode, creating a paradox in which, despite the presence of numerous social ties, social capital is reduced.

In conclusion, there is a risk that, in the absence of collective intentions, individualism and opportunism can prevail, undermining the social fabric. The article emphasizes the importance of promoting greater social interaction and valuing human capital for individual and collective well-being.

The full interview is available in Corriere della Sera.