Steve Jobs was deeply influenced by Taoism, a philosophy that emphasizes harmony and balance. This was reflected in his relentless pursuit of aesthetics and equilibrium in the design of Apple's devices, believing that technology should not just be functional, but art.
Who truly holds the reins of the internet today? Is it us humans, or are we now subordinate to the mighty algorithms that seem to control our digital lives?
By Mike Reid | January 2025
One can only imagine if Steve Jobs were alive today what he would say to Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, as more and more Americans walk around like digital zombies.
Well, one could only imagine a few months ago.
But today? Today everything is different. And changing fast.
Scene: A dimly lit room, with a round table at the center. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are seated around the table.
Steve Jobs: (leaning forward) Mark, Elon, your platforms don't align with Apple's principles of harmony and balance. Social media addiction is growing, especially among teens.
Mark Zuckerberg: (defensively) But Steve, Facebook connects people.
Elon Musk: (nodding) Right, X promotes positive change, but any tool can be misused.
Steve Jobs: (emphatically) You're missing the point! Harmony isn't just connecting people; it's about well-being. 56% of teens feel lonely, upset, or anxious without their phones.
Mark Zuckerberg: (irritated) We provide tools; users decide how to engage with them.
Elon Musk: (smirking) Technology is only as good or bad as its users, Steve.
Steve Jobs: (insistent) It's not just about providing tools; it's about the consequences of those tools on society. It's increasingly clear that social media is contributing to anxiety and depression.
Elon Musk, Earth's Richest Man
Mark Zuckerberg: (agitated) We're aware of those issues, Steve, but we can't babysit every user. We're constantly working on new features to promote positive interactions and combat harmful behavior.
Elon Musk: (challenging) And let's not forget, Steve, your beautiful Apple devices also provide access to these platforms. Isn't it our collective responsibility to find a solution?
Steve Jobs: (determined) Of course, but it starts with acknowledging the problem! Your platforms have the power to influence billions of lives. You need to prioritize user well-being over engagement and ad revenue.
Mark Zuckerberg: (defensive) That's an oversimplification. We've implemented several changes to prioritize meaningful content and reduce the spread of misinformation.
Elon Musk: (smirking) Not to mention, Steve, technology is always evolving. We can't predict every consequence, but we adapt and improve as we go.
Steve Jobs: (directly addressing Elon) Elon, even if we're living in a simulation, which the science is pointing more and more in the direction of, don't you still want more love and less hate?
Mark Zuckerberg: (nodding) Steve is right. It's our responsibility as creators to prioritize love and connection, even if our reality might be a simulation.
Elon Musk: (unyielding) I understand the importance of promoting love and reducing hate, but that doesn't mean we should shut down our platforms. We need to adapt and find ways to address the issues, not eliminate them altogether.
Steve Jobs: (persuasive) Mark, if we commit to change, we can transform the tech landscape. What if we set a goal to shut down Facebook and Instagram by 2032 and create a new platform with well-being and harmony at its core?
Mark Zuckerberg: (hesitant) That's a radical idea, Steve, but I'm not sure if shutting down Facebook and Instagram is the right solution. We have connected billions of people worldwide.
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Steve Jobs: (insistent) I understand, Mark, but consider the long-term impact of social media on society. Think about the rising levels of anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. We have a chance to make a real difference here.
Mark Zuckerberg: (still doubtful) I acknowledge those issues, Steve, but what if we work on improvements instead? We can invest in new features that promote positivity and connections.
Steve Jobs: (patiently) Mark, sometimes small changes aren't enough. A complete overhaul of your approach to social media is required. By shutting down completely and starting anew, you can create something that truly embodies the values of love, harmony, and well-being.
Mark Zuckerberg: (slowly warming up to the idea) I see your point, Steve, but this would be a monumental task. How can we ensure that the new platform doesn't fall into the same pitfalls as Facebook and Instagram?
Steve Jobs: (encouraging) We'll learn from our past mistakes and take a human-centric approach to design. We'll focus on nurturing relationships and personal growth, rather than competing for likes and shares.
Mark Zuckerberg: (contemplating) It's a daunting challenge, but the potential for positive change is immense. We could reshape the way people interact and truly prioritize their well-being.
Steve Jobs: (optimistic) Exactly, Mark! You can make a huge impact. It won't be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is, right?
Mark Zuckerberg: (enthusiastically) You know what, Steve? You're right. Let's do it. Let's shut down Facebook and Instagram by 2032 and create a platform that fosters harmony.
Steve Jobs: (admiring) Mark, by making this decision, you're proving yourself to be a truly great American. You're putting the well-being of society above the success of your creation. That's a rare and commendable quality.
Elon Musk: (stubborn) I won't shut down X, but I promise to work tirelessly to improve it and address its issues. That's the best I can do, Steve.
Steve Jobs: (undaunted) Elon, don't you see the potential for something even greater? By shutting down Twitter — sorry, I mean X — and building a new platform, we can focus on the harmony and balance that have been lost in social media.
Elon Musk: (resolute) Steve, I appreciate your vision, but I believe we can make significant improvements to X without shutting it down. We can adapt and evolve.
Steve Jobs: (persistent) But Elon, sometimes evolution isn't enough. A fresh start could allow us to redefine the way people communicate and interact on social media.
Elon Musk: (unyielding) I understand your perspective, Steve, but I cannot shut down X. Too many people depend on it for information and communication. We must work within the existing framework and make the necessary changes.
Steve Jobs: (frustrated) Elon, we have an opportunity to create a better future for humanity. Don't you want to be part of that?
Elon Musk: (determined) I do, Steve, but I believe the best way for me to contribute is by refining and enhancing X, not by starting over. I respect you, but I must follow my own path.
Mark Zuckerberg: (exasperated) Elon, what if I give up the Metaverse? Will you please give up Twitter — sorry, X — then? We can both focus on creating something new and better.
Elon Musk: (surprised) Really, Mark? You're willing to give up the Metaverse for this?
Mark Zuckerberg: (sincere) Yeah, to be honest, I'm not even excited about it anymore. It feels like we're just caught up in an endless race for innovation without considering the impact on people. I'd rather focus on creating something else.
Elon Musk: (pausing to consider) That's a generous offer, Mark. You're right. Maybe we should reconsider our priorities and create something new that aligns with our shared values of love, harmony, and well-being.
Steve Jobs: (enthusiastically) This is a momentous decision, my friends! By joining forces, we can revolutionize the way people interact with technology and make a profound impact.
Mark Zuckerberg: (smiling) It won't be easy, but together, we can create a better future for everyone.
Elon Musk: (nodding) Agreed. Let's shut down X, Facebook, and Instagram by 2032 and build a platform that's something better.
Steve Jobs: (raising his glass) Mark, Elon, brace yourselves for the journey of a lifetime. As we unite to redefine the digital world, let the profound wisdom of Eastern philosophy, particularly the Tao Te Ching, be our guiding beacon in building an environment where artificial intelligence and humanity coexist in harmony.
This journey calls for a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the world around us. As we blend artificial intelligence with natural intelligence, let's foster a deeper understanding of ourselves, our fellow human beings, and the cosmos we inhabit.