Leading Cross-Sector Collaboration for Human Flourishing
The key question that animates my work in cross-sector collaboration and interdisciplinary research is: How might we design our technologies, businesses, and economies to serve human flourishing?
My current mission is to ensure that new technologies like advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems are designed and used in ways that truly enhance human well-being and our shared social life that facilitates our thriving. While many experts focus on different aspects of AI systems or human well-being, my contribution is bringing diverse experts and practitioners together to collaborate, align on transcending human values, and create strategies that ensure AI systems serve human ends.
The Challenge
Before we dive headlong into AI-driven solutions, we need to organize the humans behind the technologies. AI systems can’t align the people who build and govern them—this requires intentional coordination, a shared understanding of human flourishing, and most importantly, authentic, trusting relationships.
The Work: Cross-Sector Collaboration
With two decades of experience, I’ve facilitated collaboration across public, corporate, philanthropic, and academic sectors. I’ve learned from both failures and successes what makes cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration positive and impactful. One has to understand the different languages, measures of success, and cultural values that animate each group. I have also learned that our shared humanness can connect us across classic divides.
My work is centered on finding common ground and then using that alignment to create multi-sector solutions that drive social impact. Whether through strategic partnerships, policy influence, or fundraising for high-impact initiatives, I specialize in aligning diverse stakeholders to prioritize human flourishing alongside dominant frameworks like profit and national security.
As a facilitator, I lead complex discussions, strategic planning efforts, and develop conceptual frameworks that ensure our technologies, businesses and economies support human flourishing.
HumanConnections.AI: Shaping the Future of AI for Social Connection and Human Flourishing
The mission of HumanConnections.AI is to ensure that artificial intelligence actively fosters human flourishing and strengthens social bonds—rather than disrupting them. Through the HumanConnections.AI Salon, co-hosted by the Harvard Human Flourishing Program and Preston-Werner Ventures, and supported by Omidyar Network and Einhorn Collaborative, we brought together leaders from tech, academia, policy, and philanthropy to chart a path for AI that nurtures mental well-being and healthy relationships.
This collective effort now focuses on practical solutions, including new funding streams for AI start-ups, tools to measure AI’s impact on relational well-being, risk mitigation tools for investors, standards to protect young people, and public dialogues to guide future policy and product design.
“This event on AI + Human Connections was great as expected. Conversations since then have been the real surprise. I’ve found so many technologists who want to talk about these issues, responsible AI, etc. It is a markedly different tone than the early days of social for instance, when the harms weren’t on people’s minds. This frame around “human flourishing” has been particularly interesting since it’s a positive goal, vs. simply avoiding problems (typical Trust & Safety or algorithmic bias frames). It gives something inspiring to work toward.”
“It was such an honor to join an incredible panel at HumanConnections.AI Salon, hosted by The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and Preston-Werner Ventures, discussing one of today’s most pressing questions - “How can we build tech that fosters true social connectedness?” We dove into hard-hitting topics, like rethinking business models for user well-being and the urgency of not experimenting on vulnerable populations, especially kids. TL;DR AI should amplify our humanity, not replace it. As we forge new paths, mindful, human-centered design is essential!”
“When a space is anchored by norms of mutual respect, curiosity, and candor, good things become possible. I especially loved learning from founders and investors. Turns out we all care fiercely about the wellbeing of babies, children, and teens.”
Speaking Engagements and Press
AI & the Future of Loneliness at SXSW, March 11, 2024
“Have you ever said “thank you” to Alexa? Or “goodbye” to a customer service chatbot? Integrating AI into our daily routines has sparked discussion over whether it has led to increased feelings of loneliness. After all, as technology develops and more jobs become automated, we have less contact with humans than ever before. One way developers are trying to combat this? Deploying applications of AI that can imitate the voices of loved ones. So is AI making us more or less lonely? In this discussion, hear from experts who will talk about the effects AI can have on our everyday lives.”
The Loneliness Cure, Financial Times, April 6th, 2024
This Financial Times story highlights the ongoing debate on the role of artificial intelligence in addressing complex social issues like loneliness, underscoring the importance of thoughtful engagement and the cautious integration of technology in fostering genuine human connections.
Synthetic Intimacy, Sifted/Financial Times Newsletter, May 14, 2024
In my article for Sifted, I explore the growing trend of AI-powered companions designed to provide emotional or intimate connections between chatbots and users. By replicating a human’s personality and looks and speaking directly to the users needs and interests, these chatbots offer a sense of personalized interaction at scale. While they open up new revenue streams for businesses and investors, they raise risks of increasing social isolation, the decline of our in-person social capabilities and potential negative health impacts. I raise questions about the business models and incentives behind these new companies and how we might evaluate their impact on human flourishing.
“I appreciate Renate’s, as well as Ron Ivey’s, leadership speaking about the dangers of the AI fake girlfriend/boyfriend industry and the risk of this leading to greater loneliness.”
Research
Authors: Matthew Lee Smith, Jillian Racoosin, Risa Wilkerson, Ronald Matthew Ivey, Louise Hawkley, Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Thomas K. M. Cudjoe
Publication: May 04, 2023, Frontiers in Public Health
In a collaborative effort, researchers from a diverse array of fields including public health, medicine, psychology, and community planning, have presented a critical analysis on the escalating issue of social disconnectedness among older adults. This opinion piece sheds light on the multifaceted nature of social isolation and loneliness, emphasizing its classification as a significant public health concern that affects roughly 25% of older adults in the United States.
The paper identifies the underlying societal-level challenges that perpetuate social disconnectedness and proposes a comprehensive framework of opportunities and solutions aimed at enhancing community capacity to foster meaningful social connections among older adults. Key strategies include raising awareness of social disconnectedness as a national priority, establishing common nomenclature across sectors, and developing uniform screening processes to accurately identify and address the social needs of older adults. Additionally, the paper calls for the strengthening of cross-sectoral referrals and community navigation, as well as the importance of building evidence about effective programs and services.
The authors advocate for a systemic approach to dismantle societal silos and promote a unified effort towards creating a more inclusive and connected community for older adults. This involves leveraging funding and data sharing, improving community spaces to promote connectivity, and forming action-oriented strategic alliances.
Citation: Smith ML, Racoosin J, Wilkerson R, Ivey RM, Hawkley L, Holt-Lunstad J, and Cudjoe TKM. Societal- and community-level strategies to improve social connectedness among older adults. Front. Public Health. 2023;11:1176895. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1176895.
A Supplement to the Surgeon General’s Advisory “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”
Authors: Brendan Case, Ian M. Corbin, Ronald M. Ivey, Jonathan Teubner, Richard Cowden, Erika Bachiochi, Flynn Cratty, and Tyler J. VanderWeele
Publication Status: In Review
The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University has released a significant supplement to the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory on the "epidemic of loneliness and isolation," building upon the foundational work to explore underemphasized drivers and potential solutions. This document extends the conversation by examining overlooked causes such as economic factors affecting the working class, the decline in children's independence, and the growing isolation of the elderly, alongside the downturns in marriage and religious participation.
The supplement outlines a comprehensive strategy to tackle loneliness by promoting policies that encourage better economic livelihoods, revive play and independence among youth, support multi-generational living, and revitalize marriage and religious community involvement. It argues for a broader societal acknowledgment of the intrinsic value these elements hold in combating loneliness and fostering a deeply connected society.
This document contributes to the critical discourse on loneliness and social isolation by highlighting systemic and cultural shifts needed to address this multifaceted crisis. Through a blend of policy recommendations and societal introspection, it aims to inspire a collective move towards a more connected and flourishing society
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