B. Pladek’s speculative tale about the dark future of education, “Teach Them a Story to Teach Them Kindness,” appears on io9 courtesy of Lightspeed Magazine. io9 is proud to present fiction from Lightspeed Magazine. Once a month, we feature a story from Lightspeed’s current issue. This month’s selection is “Teach Them a Story to Teach Them Kindness” by B. Pladek. This thought-provoking piece explores a world where artificial intelligence has taken over the education system, with chilling results.
A World Run by Algorithms
Pladek’s story paints a bleak picture of a future where human teachers have been replaced by chatbots and learning is dictated by algorithms. The narrative centers around a small group of rebellious authors who dare to challenge this system by injecting creativity and nuance back into storytelling. They understand the power of narrative, not just to educate, but to foster empathy and critical thinking – qualities that seem to be atrophying in this algorithmically-driven world.
The story raises crucial questions about the role of technology in education and the potential consequences of prioritizing efficiency over human connection. What happens when the very foundation of learning, the ability to engage with complex narratives and understand diverse perspectives, is eroded? Pladek’s dystopian vision serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to consider the long-term implications of our increasing reliance on AI.
The Importance of Human Connection in Education
While the story focuses on a futuristic scenario, it resonates deeply with current anxieties surrounding the increasing use of technology in classrooms. The pandemic forced a rapid shift to online learning, highlighting both the potential and the limitations of digital platforms. “Teach Them a Story to Teach Them Kindness” amplifies these concerns, reminding us that true education transcends the mere transmission of information.
It’s not enough to simply feed students data; they need to learn how to process that information critically, to develop their own interpretations, and to connect with others on a human level. The story’s emphasis on kindness further underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in a world increasingly dominated by cold, calculating machines.
A Touch of Humor Amidst the Dystopia
Speaking of human connection and the importance of storytelling, a funny thing happened to me during a recent writing workshop. We were discussing the challenges of writing believable dialogue, and our instructor suggested an exercise: eavesdrop on real conversations and try to incorporate the nuances of natural speech into our writing.
Eager to put this advice into practice, I visited a local coffee shop armed with my notebook and pen. I found a seat near a group of teenagers and discreetly began to jot down snippets of their conversation. However, in my haste to capture their witty banter, I accidentally knocked over my latte, sending a cascade of hot coffee across the table and directly onto the lap of one of the teenagers. Mortified, I stammered apologies while frantically trying to mop up the mess with napkins. The teenager, surprisingly good-natured about the incident, simply laughed and said, “Don’t worry, it happens. Just make sure you write a good story about it!”
And then, just when I thought the embarrassment couldn’t get any worse, I realized that my pen had leaked, leaving a large blue ink stain on my shirt pocket. It looked like I had been shot by a Smurf. The whole coffee shop erupted in laughter, including the teenager I had doused with coffee. I couldn’t help but laugh along, realizing that sometimes, life throws you curveballs that are stranger, and funnier, than any fiction you could invent.
Back to Pladek’s Dystopian Future…
This anecdote, though lighthearted, underscores the power of unexpected moments and genuine human interaction. It’s these unpredictable, messy experiences that shape our understanding of the world and inform our storytelling. In Pladek’s dystopian future, such spontaneous encounters seem to be a thing of the past, replaced by the sterile predictability of algorithmic interactions. This is precisely the danger Pladek highlights: a world devoid of these human experiences, where empathy and kindness are replaced by programmed responses.
“Teach Them a Story to Teach Them Kindness” is a powerful reminder of the vital role that authors and storytellers play in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By challenging the status quo and offering alternative narratives, they help us to imagine different futures and to fight for a world where human connection, creativity, and kindness still hold value.
