Imagine this: the alarm no longer rings at 7 a.m. because you have to go to work, your inbox isn’t overflowing with urgent emails, and the clock no longer dictates how your day unfolds. It’s a future that sounds like a dream to some, but like an uncertain abyss to others. What happens to us when automation and artificial intelligence (AI) give us more and more time by taking over our work?
For me, free time has never been a matter of boredom. I can entertain myself well with my own thoughts, inspired by podcasts, audiobooks, and the world around me. Yet I see how difficult it can be for others to fill their free time, especially when the boundary between work time and leisure time blurs. That creative process, which is a source of joy for me, seems like an impossible task for many. And that worries me.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we already caught a glimpse of what can happen when people are granted abundant free time without structure or perspective. Some used this time to reinvent themselves, but many fell into a black hole, without purpose, without hope. Looking at the rapidly increasing impact of automation, such scenarios don’t seem far off. In this blog, I want to explore how we can embrace the challenges of abundant free time, mitigate the risks, and how creativity, craftsmanship, and community can help us in this process.
When people suddenly have much more free time, almost everyone goes through a similar process. It starts simple and familiar, like an extended weekend: sleeping in, doing some household chores, finally reading that one book, or picking up a hobby. But as time continues to increase, that changes. Free time feels like a vacation, an opportunity to explore the world or fulfill bucket list dreams. But what happens when that vacation ends and the free time has no end?
Having free time in small amounts feels familiar. You do things you normally postpone, like cleaning a room or finally finishing that one Netflix series. It’s nice and relaxing, but remains superficial. Structure and obligations ensure you don’t get lost in this feeling.
As free time grows, people take on larger projects. They travel, learn a new language, or make plans for that big dream that was always on hold. But even this has its shelf life. Once the initial goals are achieved, a new question arises: what now?
This is where it becomes challenging. Free time without purpose turns into a sea of time in which many people find it difficult to find meaning. During the lockdowns, we saw that people could feel mentally unstable, trapped in a cycle of boredom and hopelessness. Imagine a world where large groups of people are left without work or future prospects. That risk is real in a future where automation drastically reduces our daily work.
I see this process around me and recognize the struggle. But I also see an opportunity. Creativity and craftsmanship can provide an answer to the black hole of too much time. Think of something small, like a hobby that grows into a passion, or a project that makes your living environment more beautiful. What would happen if we embraced these ideas en masse? The answer to that question is what drives me.
The world is changing faster than ever. Technological advancements have already proven that entire industries can disappear and jobs can change radically. Now we are on the brink of a new revolution: automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are replacing more and more human labor. What does this mean for us as individuals and as a society? What remains of our identity when work, the anchor of so many lives, is taken away?
Automation is no longer a concept for the future. The train has already left the station, and as I often say: it has already passed three stations. Compare it to the introduction of the personal computer. Once a luxury, now an essential tool. Yet there are still people struggling with the basic functions of a computer. The same applies to AI, but on a much larger scale. The difference? AI will not only support tasks but replace entire functions.
For example, we are already seeing self-checkout machines replace staff in supermarkets, and AI chatbots drastically changing customer service. It is just the beginning. The first generations of AI agents – personal assistants with immense capabilities – are now in the testing phase. This technology will not only increase our productivity but also change entire work structures.
What happens to the people who cannot or do not want to keep up with these rapid developments? This is my greatest concern. Automation requires adaptability, a willingness to learn new skills, and to reinvent yourself. But not everyone can or wants to do that. And that is exactly where things can go wrong.
I am aware of how difficult it can be to keep up with such rapid changes. In my field, software development, I see how AI is transforming our discipline at a lightning pace. If you do not continuously learn and adapt, you will be left behind. For me, finding a balance between using AI and maintaining human creativity is a daily challenge.
Despite the risks, I am convinced that automation also offers opportunities, provided we act proactively. There is potential for small, specialized teams to manage and optimize AI tools. Think of call centers where AI conducts the conversations, while people focus on analyzing and adjusting strategies. But these opportunities require preparation:
We cannot stop the train of automation, but we can learn to ride the wind. It will not be easy, and many people will stumble along the way. However, this is no reason for fatalism. On the contrary, it is a call to take action, to learn, to create, and to help each other in this transition.
My message? Start now. Start small. Experiment with AI in your own life and discover the possibilities. By actively participating, you ensure that you do not get left behind as the world reinvents itself.
In a world where more and more work is done by machines and AI, space is created for something uniquely human: creativity and craftsmanship. These qualities can help us transform not only ourselves but also our environment. They provide a counterbalance to the cold efficiency of technology and remind us of what it means to be human.
Creativity is more than just making art; it is a way of thinking and solving problems. In times of change, creativity can help us find new meaning and create beauty in a world that sometimes feels cold and anonymous.
Creativity has already proven that it can change places and inspire people. Here are some examples:
For me, creativity is a way to connect with my environment and to express myself. I see the same in others. When people have the opportunity to use their creativity, something beautiful often emerges – a new project, a better space, or simply a moment of peace and satisfaction.
But I also worry. What if we don’t seize these creative opportunities? What if we let ourselves be overwhelmed by the negative effects of automation and lose our human connection to beauty and craftsmanship? That is why I believe that fostering creativity and craftsmanship is essential, not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
Creativity and craftsmanship are not just for artists. Everyone can contribute to a more beautiful world in their own way:
I believe that now that we have more free time due to automation, we have the responsibility to use this time for something meaningful. Creativity and craftsmanship are the keys to improving not only our own world but also that of others. Let’s seize that opportunity.
Automation and artificial intelligence promise more efficient processes and more free time, but these changes do not come without risks. For a large part of society, the transition to a future without traditional jobs can feel like a free fall into a dark hole. What happens to people when work, an important anchor in their lives, disappears? How can we prevent this from leading to social instability?
Work is more than just a source of income. It provides structure, identity, and social connection. When this disappears, significant challenges arise, both on an individual and societal level.
The risks of automation are no longer hypothetical. There are already clear signs that these changes have a deep impact:
I am convinced that automation is inevitable – the train has already left the station, and we can only learn to move with it. But I worry about the large groups of people who cannot keep up. Whether it’s low-paid jobs or specialized positions, the impact is felt across the board. During this transition, many will stumble, and some will fall. How do we catch them? How do we ensure that no one disappears into the black hole?
To minimize the risks of automation, we must take action now. Here are some solutions:
As an individual, you can also take action to reduce the risk of alienation and isolation:
Although the dark side of automation cannot be denied, this transition also offers an opportunity to redefine what work and value mean in our society. By investing in education, communities, and innovative social safety nets, we can ensure that no one is left behind.
My call? Make sure you’re not on the sidelines. Keep learning, keep connecting, and keep creating. Together, we can build a future where automation does not lead to alienation, but to new opportunities.
Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are often seen as threats to human labor and creativity, but they can also be the key to a new future where we fully focus on what makes us unique. Creativity, supported by technology, can not only enrich our lives but also provide solutions to the challenges we face.
Creativity has always been a force through which people realize change and progress. It enables us to find meaning and discover new possibilities, especially in times of uncertainty. What if we don’t see technology as a replacement, but as an extension of our creative capabilities?
Technology can help us enhance our creative potential, but only if we use these tools in the right way.
I believe that technology does not have to limit our creativity. On the contrary, I see it as an opportunity to do more, become better, and push boundaries. My project Blue, where I use AI to create stories for my daughter, is an example of this. What started as a personal solution is now growing into something that can also help other parents.
This shows that technology is not only a tool for large companies but also for individuals who want to overcome unique challenges. It opens doors to new forms of self-expression and collaboration.
Integrating creativity and technology into your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some ideas:
Creativity and technology can together have a tremendous impact on how we spend our free time and shape our world. They give us the opportunity to not only be reactive but also proactively build a better future.
My vision? Let technology be an extension of your unique human potential. Use AI not only to solve problems but also to create beauty, connection, and meaning in a world that needs it more than ever.
The shift to a world where work becomes less central requires a different way of thinking and acting. Education and communities play a crucial role in this. They can not only help prepare people for this future but also strengthen social cohesion and provide a sense of direction and purpose.
In a society where automation and technology are becoming increasingly important, a modern form of education is essential. The current education system often lags behind reality. We already see that basic skills such as programming and database management are lacking in many graduates. This needs to change.
In addition to education, local communities play an important role in providing support and structure. While the government must maintain a broad overview, communities at the local level can offer practical solutions.
I strongly believe in the importance of collaboration between individuals, communities, and governments. Through my own projects, I have tried to connect with various organizations, often without success. This frustrates me, but it also motivates me to keep searching for ways to share my ideas and inspire others.
You don't have to wait for large-scale changes from above. Everyone can start by improving their own environment:
Education and communities are the foundations upon which we can build a new society. They provide the tools and support needed not only to tackle the challenges of automation but also to create new opportunities. By working together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.
My vision? It is up to all of us to take action. Whether you are a parent teaching your children new skills, a neighbor starting a project, or a student curious about the future – everyone can contribute to a world where free time becomes a strength, not a threat.
The transition to a future with more automation and free time raises not only practical but also ethical questions. What does it mean to preserve human values in a world increasingly determined by technology? How do we ensure that no one is left behind? The government plays a crucial role in this, but we as a society also need to think and act together.
When technology takes over large parts of our lives, new responsibilities emerge. Ethics must be at the forefront to ensure that technological progress serves society as a whole.
The government has a unique position to guide the future. They can create laws and policies that protect society from the risks of automation while simultaneously creating opportunities.
In addition to the government, local communities also play an important role. While the government oversees the bigger picture, communities at the local level can offer specific solutions that cater to local needs.
For me, it is important that we do not lose sight of our ethical responsibility. In my work with AI, such as in my Blue project, I constantly think about how technology can empower humanity. This also means being transparent about how something is made and what its limitations are.
But I also see the shortcomings. My own attempts to connect with agencies about the Blue project often came to nothing. This shows how important it is that institutions are open to collaboration and innovation, otherwise we risk valuable ideas going unused.
Ethics and responsibility are not only tasks of governments or companies. As individuals, you can also contribute to an inclusive future:
The ethical challenges of automation are significant but not insurmountable. By proactively thinking about how we want to use technology, we can ensure that the future is not only more efficient but also fairer and more humane.
My vision? The key lies in collaboration. Governments, communities, and individuals must work together to think about what a just society means in the age of technology. It starts with all of us.
We stand on the brink of a new era, where automation and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing our lives. Work, as we know it, will become less important, and free time will take on a greater role. This can be an opportunity for personal growth, creativity, and a stronger society, but it also comes with risks. How we handle this will determine the future we build together.
Through this blog, we have explored the challenges and opportunities of free time:
The challenges are significant, but the opportunities are even greater. Imagine a world where people use their free time to learn, create, and connect. Where technology not only automates tasks but also helps to enhance human capabilities. A world where no one is left behind because we, as a society, proactively work together towards a better future.
This requires a new mindset. We must learn how to use our time, creativity, and technology to create value, not only for ourselves but also for others.
For me, this blog is more than just a way to share my thoughts. It is a call to action. I know how difficult it can be to adapt to change, but I also believe that together we can make a difference. My own projects, like Blue, show that you can start small and still achieve something great.
I believe that everyone has a role to play. Whether you are a parent creating an inspiring environment for your children, an employee learning new skills, or a neighbor contributing to the community – your actions have an impact.
Here are a few concrete steps you can take today to make a positive contribution to this future:
The future is not determined by technology alone, but by how we use that technology. We have the opportunity to create a society that is not centered around work and production, but around connection, creativity, and well-being. It starts with you and me.
My invitation to you: take the time to think about what you can do. Start small, but dream big. Together, we can build a world where free time is a source of joy, meaning, and progress.
Let’s get started.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Your interest and dedication are part of the change we need. If you have any questions or ideas to share, let me know. Together, we are shaping the future.