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

In "Humanism in the Age of AI," K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage offers a thought-provoking essay that delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and human values. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this compelling work examines the pervasive influence of AI in modern life, exploring themes of human connection, ethical boundaries, and societal change. The essay prompts readers to reflect on the necessity of maintaining human dignity and moral responsibility in an increasingly automated world.

About the Work

K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage's essay critically analyzes the growing reliance on AI and its implications for humanism. With a rich narrative exploring both the benefits and pitfalls of this technological evolution, the work questions the boundaries between human and machine. The essay's thoughtful discourse on AI's role in shaping human relationships and its potential to overshadow genuine emotions and ethical choices invites readers to contemplate the balance between technological advancement and preserving human integrity.

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. Therefore, 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 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the power of words and creativity. It encourages writers from around the world to explore diverse themes through poetry, essays, and creative writing. The competition serves as a platform for aspiring writers to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage for their insightful contribution titled "Humanism in the Age of AI" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This essay shines a light on the essential dialogue surrounding technology and humanism. We appreciate your thoughtful engagement with these critical themes and look forward to your continued literary pursuits.

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.