In a world being taken over by technology and AI, real experiences are becoming a luxury.

By Elise Papadogianis

I spent 7 weeks travelling Europe, meeting dozens of people - new places, new conversations, real human connection everyday. One night in Berlin, I had dinner with a woman from Ireland who spent 30 minutes talking about how she now uses AI for everything - school, emails, messages to friends. 

I laughed, but quickly realized she wasn’t joking. She uses AI for everything. We’re living in a world where messages from friends are automated, lectures from professors are AI generated, emails from bosses are not real. Communication is outsourced. It is entirely possible that a message written by AI is being read and responded to by AI on the other end. Have we forgotten how to talk to people, how to connect with people, how to have real experience? If we haven’t, we’re certainly on our way. 

However, on that same trip, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more connected. Conversations were real, experiences were spontaneous, I shared meals with strangers, learned about new cultures, and found connection in places I never expected. That’s what experiential learning really is. It’s a choice to participate instead of consume. AI isn’t entirely the problem - using it to replace real experience is. 

Traveling to new places and working hands-on with animals are moments that can’t be generated. Animals are asking something of you - your time and presence. In a world that is becoming more automated everyday, we have to choose real experiences. It’s your time to explore the world and say yes to authentic, hands-on volunteering with Animal Experience International. We can’t wait to see you there!

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