"Superpower": Professor Riva's article in Corriere della Sera

In the era of artificial intelligence, our social "superpower" is human capital. Linguistic AI tools are unable to generate it. These are some of the themes that Professor Giuseppe Riva, Director of HTLab, addressed in an article in Corriere della Sera, published on Monday, December 18, 2023.

In Professor Giuseppe Riva's article for Corriere della Sera, the concept of "human capital" in the era of artificial intelligence is explored. It is emphasized that what truly makes us human is not only intelligence or creativity, but also our social "superpower" represented by human capital. This concept, introduced by economists, refers to the economic value of our knowledge, skills, and experiences within society.

It is highlighted that human capital not only makes us smarter but also prepares us to face life's challenges, such as finding employment 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.

The discussion also revolves around the "We-mode", an important social mode of cognitive functioning activated through shared experiences in a physical location. This mode fosters group cohesion and enables the planning and execution of collective actions beyond individual capacities.

However, despite the advantages of technology, it is not yet capable of fully replicating the function of the We-mode and collective intentions, which are essential for creating social capital. The progressive shift from physical locations to social networks has weakened the ability to activate the We-mode, creating a paradox in which, despite numerous social ties, social capital is diminished.

In conclusion, there is a warning about the risk that, in the absence of collective intentions, individualism and opportunism may prevail, undermining 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 on Corriere della Sera.