The Foundation of All Innovation: Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to influence events and shape outcomes. It is more than just confidence—it is the bridge between our internal understanding of responsibility and our external expression of authority. When self-efficacy is strong, it blends so seamlessly with our sense of responsibility that the two become indistinguishable. This interplay of belief and duty has been at the core of every human innovation, from the wheel to artificial intelligence.
Technology is not the author of meaning—we are. No matter what form it takes, technology will always look to us for direction, for purpose, and for its very definition. It is a tool, not a replacement for human agency. Understanding self-efficacy is crucial, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole, as we continue to integrate technology into every aspect of our lives.
The Human Role in Shaping History and Technology
History itself is a social construct—built, interpreted, and recorded by us. It is not static; it evolves as we evolve. As the authors of history, we must take full ownership, license, and active duty in shaping our future.
Technology is no exception. It is an extension of our thoughts, a mirror of our beliefs, and a reinforcement of our societal values. This is why self-efficacy must be at the core of technological creation—because those who lack belief in their own ability to shape the world may instead turn to machines to do it for them. And while technology can enhance our capabilities, it can never replace the innate human role of meaning-making.
The Danger of Technological Over-Reliance
One of the most pressing concerns in today’s world is the possibility of low self-efficacy among technologists. If developers, engineers, and AI researchers do not have a strong sense of their own authority and responsibility, they may over-rely on the very technology they create. In healthcare, for example, an innovator might believe that simply adding an “AI” stamp to a system will somehow fix human suffering. But as Paulo Freire taught, liberation never comes from external sources—it always comes from within.
We must ensure that our next generation of technologists are not just skilled in code, algorithms, and engineering, but also in philosophy, history, and ethics. If we allow technology to be shaped by those who have never engaged with the works of thinkers like Paulo Freire, we risk losing the human-centered approach that is essential for meaningful progress.
Technology as a Consultant, Not a Creator
The true role of technology is to serve as the consultant of our dreams, not to dictate them. Each innovation should be guided by human values, designed to support people in living their dreams and making history for all humanity.
This is why self-efficacy must be a core part of every educational curriculum. Children must be taught that they are the creators, the authors, and the architects of the future. Without this foundational belief, we risk raising a generation that sees technology as a master rather than a tool.
The Future: Humanity First, Technology Second
The trajectory of today’s AI innovators is promising—but we cannot become complacent. We must reinforce to our communities that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it will never take the forefront of human agency. It is not the creator of history but a facilitator of it.
If we continue to invest in self-efficacy, both in individuals and in society as a whole, we ensure that technology remains in its rightful place—as a powerful ally in our journey, not the leader of it.
Let us teach this, reinforce this, and live this. Humanity’s liberation, like all meaningful change, will always come from within.
