Part 2 of 2: How Can You Apply Mindfulness When Working with AI?
In Part 1: AI and Self-Awareness from a Buddhist Perspective, we examined the difference between intelligence and consciousness, and how AI and algorithms are becoming increasingly adept at directing our attention.
In this second part, we’ll focus primarily on AI and mindfulness, how algorithms can exacerbate polarization, and—most importantly—what practical steps you can take to maintain your mental health. How do we practice mindfulness when collaborating with AI?
AI and Mindfulness: AI Knows Your Behavior, but Know Yourself Better
The allure of AI, algorithms, and superintelligence is so strong that it’s easy to lose sight of yourself the moment you turn on your phone. And that’s exactly why mindfulness is more important than ever.
Mindfulness isn’t complicated at its core. It’s about being present. Knowing what’s going on inside you. Knowing what you’re doing as you do it. And above all: noticing when you’re no longer in control, but are being swept along.
It’s important to understand your negative triggers—the things that “set you off.” Because once social media has you in its grip, it becomes a challenge not to spend hours researching or reacting to the stimuli the algorithm sends your way—no matter how important they may seem.
In Buddhist terms, you can see a chain reaction when you’re swept up by information:
- there’s contact: you see a post
- there is a feeling: restlessness, anger, or fear
- there’s an impulse: clicking through, reacting, proving a point, or checking
- and this is often followed by action: scrolling, debating, or searching even more
With mindfulness, you become aware of the components of that chain reaction and of the pull that captures your attention. When you practice mindfulness deeply, space can open up the moment you feel yourself being drawn in. Not because you have to be “good,” but because you’re waking up.
Read our blog post: Digital Detox and Mindfulness: Two Sides of the same Attention
AI and Polarization: Why Things Get So Heated Online So Quickly
Algorithms and AI have been sending us personalized messages for years. They often tap into negative emotions: fear, insecurity, hatred, and anger. Those emotions can generate a lot of engagement. Be aware, too, of positive triggers: if you get hooked on cat videos and spend hours watching them, that’s also a learning experience.
When you keep seeing the same messages and algorithms keep reinforcing your beliefs, it can feel as though your perspective is the only truth. And if you also mainly surround yourself with people who think the same way you do, that conviction often becomes even stronger.
In this way, AI and algorithmic curation can contribute to polarization. As humans, we want to be right. When we meet someone who thinks differently, a clash can arise: both believe they are right.
Nature shows us how important diversity is. Ecosystems with the greatest diversity of plants are often the most vital and robust. Diversity is also of great importance in our society. It would be boring if everyone thought the same way. Yet we become increasingly combative when something or someone is different. We see this on a small scale, for example in online bullying, and on a larger scale in demonstrations and the threat of war.
The Buddhist practice here is concrete: can you continue to recognize that your opinion is not your identity? Listening is the key. Can you listen without immediately becoming defensive? Can you remain gentle when you disagree? Can you refrain from engaging in a battle just to win an argument? Can you simply let someone else be who they are?
Four Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy with AI
Below are a few practical approaches. Think of them as a Buddhist toolbox—not as rules, but as exercises.
1. Practice, practice, practice
Practicing getting to know yourself better is more important than you think. Ask yourself:
- What are my triggers?
- When are they triggered?
- What reactions and emotions arise then?
- Can I take a moment to calm down when my triggers are activated?
As Santi likes to say: 'The point is not that your buttons are being pushed, the point is there is a button to begin with."
Through meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, you can stay aware of what’s happening inside you when you watch the news, scroll through social media, or have conversations about sensitive topics.
2. Adjust your algorithm by changing your search behavior
You can influence your algorithm by radically changing your search behavior every now and then. Consciously seek out multiple sides of an issue so you can see different perspectives—whether you agree with them or not.
For example, we sometimes watch news from Al Jazeera because it offers a different perspective than France Info and covers different topics. Not because it’s “better,” but because it takes us out of our bubble. It keeps our worldview broader and brings more diversity into our consciousness.
Here’s another simple exercise: when doing research, ask a counter question as well.
Don’t just ask, “Are thyme and rosemary good for my health?” But also, “What are the dangers of consuming large amounts of thyme and rosemary?”
This way, you train yourself not to seek only confirmation.
3. Choose an information diet: information is also food
Thich Nhat Hanh spoke about this years ago: information is also food that we consume. Many of the same rules apply as with food:
- consume in moderation
- it doesn’t have to be perfect
- honestly assess how it affects you
Take a look at your own information diet: what percentage is news, silly videos that make you happy, educational and supportive channels, or topics that move you but also trigger negative reactions?
You can adjust the percentages to something that feels healthier. For example:
- 15% silly stuff that makes you happy
- 15% news
- 15% important topics that trigger emotional responses
- 55% positive information that’s good for the soul
Or check out our retreat calendar—we organize digital detox retreats every year.
4. Water the seeds you want to grow
When you’re on an information diet, you’re actually watering those seeds.
In our subconscious, there’s a garden full of seeds: fear, love, jealousy, trust, compassion, and hope. The seeds you water will grow.
Algorithms are designed to water certain seeds frequently and abundantly—especially the seeds that keep you on the platform longer. The practice of mindfulness asks: Which seeds do you consciously want to water?
Positive search behavior: let AI make different recommendations
Let’s tackle AI and algorithms with positive search behavior. If you consciously seek out positive, uplifting content on YouTube, Google, or Instagram, the algorithm will eventually adapt.
We’ve tried it ourselves, though you do have to stick with it. As soon as you search for sensational news or a polarizing topic even once, you’ll immediately be bombarded with similar content again. But when you engage in nurturing search behavior most of the time, positive content often resurfaces more quickly.
Positive YouTube Channels That Inspire Us
- Frequency healing music: Abdul Ghaffar — soothing music that can be beneficial for both body and soul.
- Buddhist interviews: Clear Mountain Monastery — a Theravada monastery in the U.S. featuring interesting conversations with Buddhist teachers. Brother Phap Lu was recently interviewed there.
- Silence and farm life: Country Life Vlog — tranquil videos about life and the harvest on a farm in Azerbaijan.
- Spiritual teachings: Samaneri Jayasara — a Buddhist nun who reads teachings from various spiritual masters, almost like a guided meditation.
In closing: Which seeds do you water?
AI can do a lot for us, but it can’t feel, breathe, or truly be present. So the question remains not only what AI is capable of, but also: what do we, as humans, want to nurture?
What are your favorite positive channels, podcasts, or outlets? Which sources help you stay calm, clear-headed, and kind? Feel free to share them in the comments. That way, we can help each other water the right seeds during these times.
Do you long for a place with fewer screens, more nature, and space to find your center again? Check out our retreats in France at Simply Canvas Farm or discover how mindfulness is a way of life at our retreat center.
Read it for the first time or again: AI and Self-Knowledge: A Buddhist Perspective