HumanMagazine: Large parts of the public lack education when it comes to technology. What kind of experiences have you had with that?
Stephen Pullum: I remember once working for a guy who hadn’t talked to his daughter in three years. She sent him a message saying, “I love you,” but it turned out to be the „I Love You“ virus. I spent the next three days repairing my email server. At the time, people like kids in the neighborhoods and grandmothers now had dial-up Internet, but they weren’t being taught how to use it safely. Those demographics were hit hard by scams.

HumanMagazine: What role does Africurity play in addressing these gaps?
Stephen Pullum: Africurity is about education and literacy, not profit. I’ve done everything pro bono because making money on the backs of literacy isn’t fair. Technology shouldn’t take humanity away from us. Look at the resources required to run AI data centers, like water consumption, and where they’re built—often in vulnerable communities that can’t fight back. My vision is global, driven by the belief that creativity and technology should go hand in hand. It’s about rediscovering the joy of innovation and ensuring that no one gets left behind as technology evolves. 

HumanMagazine: You’re an American citizen. Why did you move to Thailand?
Stephen Pullum: I moved to Thailand for a fresh perspective. Here, I can work globally without being tied to geopolitical constraints. Africurity allows me to channel my inner child and maintain that sense of wonder while engaging with the world.

HumanMagazine: How do you see biases in AI development?
Stephen Pullum: People talk about making AI non-biased, but how can you create a non-biased algorithm when the programmers themselves are biased? If you manage to make an algorithm without bias, preferences, or prejudices, it becomes the alpha species on Earth, and humanity becomes the threat.

HumanMagazine: What role will AI play in 2025?
Stephen Pullum: 2025 will be a breakout year. But I also think the divide between those engaged with technology and those left behind will widen in 2025.

HumanMagazine: What do you mean by this divide, and how will it affect people?
Stephen Pullum: The divide will be between those who are part of this technological revolution and those who aren’t. All these advancements in AI and trends like AGI mean nothing to a five-year-old whose mom is working three jobs, or to someone without access to computers. As currencies deflate and more people push Bitcoin, this will remain meaningless to those who don’t even have basic technological resources. Algorithms don’t include homeless people, addicts, alcoholics, or misrepresented demographics. This exclusion is bias, and it’s going to increase.

HumanMagazine: How does power play into this divide?
Stephen Pullum: Bias and power are intertwined. For example, when data centers are built, they often displace communities, take water supplies, or even spawn conflicts. Humanity seems to lack the will to address the harm we’re causing, even though we have the technology to make real changes.

HumanMagazine: How should businesses and individuals adapt to AI’s growing influence?
Stephen Pullum: Businesses won’t have a choice but to embrace AI. Efficiency models will force companies to lay off entire departments, not just individuals. If you suspect AI could impact your job, start leveling up your skills now. AI isn’t going to take your job—the person analyzing metrics and deciding between paying your salary or deploying an AI agent will.

HumanMagazine: Your final message to our readers?
Stephen Pullum: Three things:
This too shall pass.
If you worry about something, take action as soon as it comes to mind.
Start being human, instead of just a human being.