Inner Ear exists at the intersection of creativity and technology. We welcome change, thrive on innovation and push boundaries. But in his latest piece, Dougal Perman raises an essential question: if disruption is inevitable, how do we ensure it serves humanity rather than eroding it?
Disruption is good for the soul. It can be bad for business. But it gets people going. I think that’s a good thing. Actually, it might be bad for certain (set in their ways) businesses, but it can sweep aside the gatekeepers and open up new opportunities for upstarts. And I’ll always welcome the challenge.
Read the whole piece on Substack
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group for Music invited Dougal to talk about “AI and music, threats and opportunities”, to complement a fascinating talk by Kayla Megan Burns. In an article on Substack (based on his talk), We Need Disruption, But Make It Human, Dougal explores the fine line between technological progress and human-centred values. We’re all told that change is good, necessary and unstoppable. But what happens when it comes at the cost of the people it’s supposed to benefit?
We see this tension everywhere — use of AI threatening creative jobs, automation replacing personal service, digital platforms reshaping entire industries with little regard for the workers and audiences who sustain them. Disruption is often framed as an economic inevitability, but as Dougal argues, it doesn’t have to be inhumane. Instead, it should be guided by purpose, empathy and a sense of shared responsibility.
This isn’t just a theoretical debate; it’s a practical challenge. At Inner Ear, we’ve spent years crafting live digital experiences, immersive content and interactive storytelling. We know that technology can amplify human creativity when used correctly. But it requires care and attention. It requires intention.
So, how do we balance innovation with integrity? How do we embrace new tools without losing what makes our industries, and our lives, meaningful?
Read Dougal’s full piece on Substack and join the conversation. We want to hear your thoughts because the future of disruption should be shaped by those who care about it most.
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