Human relationships are fundamentally built on trust. Over the next 10 years, a foundational shift in the way computer technology is built – to be more trustworthy – will change how people live. The catalyst for this shift will come from two places. The first is the concept of a blockchain, an incorruptible digital ledger that stores valuable transactions publicly. The second will stem from improved human-computer interaction (HCI) thanks to hardware improvements that can create more immersive computing experiences.

Trusting computers in these situations means humans have the confidence and willingness to act based on the input they receive from a computer. The current advancements in artificial intelligence for forecasting and decision making will only be helpful to society when people are willing to act on the results. A 2016 survey of Canadians found that only 26% believe an unbiased computer program would be more trustworthy than workplace leaders and managers. This trust in humans, however, can often be misplaced. People will often trust a human over a computer, even when they are shown that the computer performs better at a task. Better results can increase confidence in computers, but the interaction that conveys results must also be improved if more trust is going to be placed in technology.

At the core of human interaction is the idea of exchanging value: through communication, currency, or action. Being able to establish a proven record of these exchanges with a blockchain will enhance people’s lives, especially in areas where trust is critical like civic engagement and healthcare. These areas are critical because the decisions made by humans here have significant consequences, whether it be related to a nation-defining election or a mortal illness. The results of a computer program used in such areas must be correct. While a blockchain can provide the theoretical underpinning of trust, it falls to user interfaces to convince a user that a computer’s results are reliable. That is why simultaneous advances in HCI will be important in building more trustworthy computers.

The way people participate in politics will be the first area to be changed. Fears of hacking in the recent US election will necessitate more secure systems be built over the next three years before the next election. Using the blockchain to underpin a new digital voting system can remove doubt about the security of voters’ data. Universities have already made proposals for integrating the technology into election systems and corporations are working towards the same goal. One of the risks of moving to a digital infrastructure for civic engagement is people who do not have access to the internet could be excluded from engaging. However, in countries like the United States where 90% of the population are connected, the benefits of increased trust (and perhaps engagement) are worth the risks.

As politics see increased trust in technology, so will healthcare. The life or death decisions in medicine require trust in complex ways for everyone involved. Patients must be confident in their doctors’ suggestions, while doctors must find the technology they use to be reliable. The use of blockchain technology will provide doctors with more accurate, shared patient data, so they can be more confident in making critical decisions. Patient privacy can be kept secure with blockchain-backed electronic health records. Large technology companies are already implementing the first steps towards this future. In a world where communication between hospitals, labs, and pharmacies is almost non-existent, the blockchain provides a way to open avenues of transmission while retaining security and trust. This will lead to better patient outcomes and reduced costs throughout the medical establishment. Visualizations and improved HCI will help both doctors and patients understand the benefits of this change and the positive impact it has on their practice and health. To reap the benefits, a large part of the healthcare community must commit to using this new technology. The challenge will come in convincing various medical providers to partner together and embrace the network effect of the blockchain.

As the human trust in computers increases over the next 10 years, other industries will see the positive effects. Law enforcement, banking, and food distribution are just some of the other areas where blockchain and HCI technology will have a significant impact in terms of cost, reliability, and reduced consumer turnover. Society will also reap benefits in other, less measurable ways. An increase in trust between humans comes when we can verify the truth of our communications and fulfill our promises to each other. Computers that are more trustworthy will aid us in being more trustworthy ourselves, leading not just to better human-computer interactions, but to better human relationships as well.