When technology makes something more efficient, it doesn’t just make our lives easier — it reshapes how we act, what we value, and which choices quietly disappear. This talk moves from everyday objects to artificial intelligence to explore how even the simplest tools shape who we become. And as AI becomes more woven into daily life, the values and power of those who build it quietly shape the horizons of our choices With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation in major Norwegian companies, Elisabeth Austad Asser brings a rare combination of technological insight and ethical depth. She holds a PhD in AI and Ethics and is the author of The Power of Technology: How AI Tempts, Seduces and Holds Power — and What We Can Do About It (2025). She has served as Director of Sustainability in one of Norway’s largest banks, working at the intersection of technology, ethics, and societal responsibility. A sought-after speaker and prominent public voice, she contributes actively to national debates on artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Her work explores how technology shapes human behaviour, redistributes power, and transforms the choices available to us — and what it will take to ensure a future aligned with human values. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx