Mo Gawdat urges ethical AI use and intentional happiness at SIBF

Success and happiness in challenging times

Speaking at a session titled “How to Achieve Success and Happiness in Challenging Times”, Gawdat offered his take on the friction between rapid technological advancement and human well-being. He warned against the rise of shallow digital content and called for critical thinking, resilience and deeper engagement with one’s surroundings. In a world filling up with AI, automation and misinformation, he said, human connection and integrity remain vital.

Lessons from personal loss

Reflecting on his personal journey, Gawdat spoke about his deeply moving experience after the loss of his son, explaining that the journey taught him patience, acceptance and the importance of focusing on life’s meaningful moments. This, he noted, inspired him to write his book on happiness to spread a positive, educational message and extend its impact to millions of readers.

The enduring relevance of books

Gawdat also addressed the continuing relevance of books in a digital world, commending the role of the Sharjah International Book Fair in advancing the culture of reading. While acknowledging that fast-evolving fields like artificial intelligence are often followed more effectively through digital platforms, he emphasised that books still offer unmatched depth and remain essential for building critical understanding.

The real threat of AI: Human misuse

Turning to AI, Gawdat challenged widespread misconceptions, arguing that artificial intelligence itself is not dangerous — the danger lies in human misuse. Technology does not decide its applications; “humans do.” Drawing on his experience at Google, he highlighted AI’s potential to address global challenges, from optimising systems to advancing cancer research, while calling for informed, ethical development.

A call for authenticity and critical thinking

He also cautioned against the dominance of superficial trends and misinformation on social media, noting how constant noise weakens attention spans and distorts judgment. Authenticity, he stressed, is needed now more than ever. He urged audiences to question the content they consume, sharpen their discernment and stay anchored to facts.

Returning to purpose and core values

He concluded by reiterating that the pursuit of happiness begins internally, not by changing external circumstances. Many, he said, lose fulfilment by searching in the wrong places. Instead, he called for a return to clarity, purpose and shared human values as the foundations of a more grounded and content society.