Humanism in the Age of AI - By K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Written By: K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage presents an insightful essay titled "Humanism in the Age of AI," contributing to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This essay delves into the profound impact that artificial intelligence has on human existence, exploring the fine line between technological convenience and the essence of humanity. As AI becomes an integral part of our daily lives, this thought-provoking piece encourages readers to reflect on the importance of maintaining our unique human qualities amidst rapid technological advancements.

About the Work

"Humanism in the Age of AI" eloquently addresses the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The essay explores the notion that while AI offers numerous advantages, it challenges the fundamental aspects of humanism. K.D. Kumarage raises crucial questions about dependency, ethical boundaries, and the potential of losing our unique human traits. The writing style is engaging and reflective, urging readers to consider the long-term implications of embracing AI in every facet of life.

Humanism in the age of AI

Original Submission by K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Humanism in the age of AI

“In late 2025, Yurina Noguchi - a 32 year old call center operator from Japan made headlines for hosting a symbolic wedding ceremony to marry an AI generated companion named Lune Klaus Verdure."

In the modern world online platforms such as chat GPT and Gemini play a major role in human lives. Every single day we use AI without even thinking about it. It keeps us scrolling through Tiktok, a major part of the day, and students tend to turn to it in order to get help with their school work and much more. Lately, it is visible that people have forgotten to draw the line between AI and real life. People turn to AI when they feel lonely, sad and depressed and they turn towards AI in order to get a peace of mind and relax themselves. People have begun to view AI as a normal human being, forgetting that it is also a program, one among the many, created by humans themselves, in another part of the world wide web. Due to this, they even tend to build relationships and marry a computer.

Humans differ from animals and various other creatures because of their miraculous abilities. The mental nature of humans, their abilities, unique value, ability to think for themselves, and a responsibility to do the right thing makes them unique among other creatures. But now, due to this development in technology, people have come to believe that technology and humanism are in the same level. Although AI can get things done better, easier and faster it fools us by letting us believe that it has emotions and that it can feel. In a world like this, we have to fight to protect our humanity by continuing to think for ourselves, valuing real humanism over quick shortcuts and by refusing to let machines make our moral choices for us.

In reality, AI is not something which is magical nor is it something which came to be miraculously. AI is not something which is to be trusted with our lives nor is it something which has emotions. Basically, AI is also one of the many creation of mankind, which a person has created. It is something which can also make mistakes. Therefor, having blind faith in AI can make us victims of our own creations.

In the modern world, AI has its own advantages. Schools, companies, institutes and a government as a whole can function better with the use of AI. Searching for information becomes easy and efficient and it saves half of the time which otherwise will be spent on turning pages and travelling far and wide to obtain information. Also we can get difficult tasks easily done with the help of AI. Children use this to get homework done, to make projects easily and attractively and teachers use this to make notes, and even to make teaching interesting. People all over the world, in various fields of work, make use of AI in order to make their work easy and efficient. But people have mistaken its uses, and makes use of this program as a method of obtaining peace, love and happiness.

Several platforms of AI such as chat GPT and Gemini have been programmed in such a way that it lets people hear what they want to hear, and lets them see what they want to see. Therefore, people have programmed themselves to depend solely on AI. People have thrown away their skills and abilities and begun to depend AI to fulfil their each and every need. Due to this, a catastrophe is visible in the near future. The biggest fear is not that the world will be run over by robots, but rather humans will become robots themselves and make AI rule over them willingly.

All humans, young and old, have started to lose control over technology. Even children are being led astray by parents who also use AI as a tool. Presently, it is visible that parents feed small children by giving them a phone. If children are given access to technology even before they can talk, how will they ever learn to depend on no one but technology as they grow up? Another major problem which has a greater possibility to arise in the near future is the unavailability of professions. Countries all over the world have started to replace manual labor with technology. During the period of the industrial revolution, this made things easy for the people. But if this carries on, then people all around the world will lose their jobs and every power will be given to technology and AI.

Al is an important tool which can be used by people to make their work easy and efficient. But humans, as knowledgeable beasts must know the exact place to draw the line. In a world controlled by AI and robots, humans will have to be slaves, with no ability to think for themselves and no uniqueness between one human and the next. It is our duty to be aware of the destruction likely to be caused by AI and keep this hazard at bay, in order protect our right, dignity and our uniqueness.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform that brings together voices from around the world to share their literary expressions. This competition celebrates the power of words in exploring diverse themes and perspectives, fostering a global community of writers and poets. Participants like K.D. Kumarage contribute to a rich tapestry of contemporary thought and creativity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage for sharing "Humanism in the Age of AI" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This essay not only examines the technological landscape but also reminds us of the enduring value of humanism. Thank you, K.D. Kumarage, for your thoughtful contribution to this important dialogue.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.