Maria Hohenauer
Hi, I’m the human behind The Human in the Loop.
I’ve always believed in the power of writing things down. Grocery lists, tiny to-dos, worries at 2 a.m., half-born ideas that don’t quite make sense yet - putting them on paper makes life feel a little less loud, a little more real. Over time, that simple habit became something bigger. I create planners and journals that help people stay organized and intentional. Not in a “optimize every second” way, but in a softer, “what actually matters to me today?” kind of way. To me, a blank page is an invitation to slow down and listen to yourself.
A new kind of noise
Lately, though, I’ve noticed a new kind of noise creeping in. Friends, family, and customers keep telling me they feel anxious about AI. Curious, yes. Impressed, definitely. But underneath that, there’s this quiet worry: What does this mean for my work? For my creativity? For my sense of self? It can feel like everything is moving too fast, and you’re supposed to have strong opinions and a clear strategy when really… you just want a moment to think.
Being human is your superpower
I started this space to offer answers where I can, and gentle reminders where there aren’t any neat answers at all. At the heart of it is a simple belief: being human is still our superpower. Our questions, our values, our awkwardness, our stories - those are the things no machine can replace. This isn’t about rejecting technology. I use it too. It’s about using it without losing ourselves. It’s about pausing long enough to ask: Does this feel like me?
Here at The Human in the Loop, you’ll find:
- Gentle reflections on life with AI and technology
- Simple tools, prompts, and planners to help you stay grounded and intentional
- Reassurance that it’s okay to move slowly, ask questions, and change your mind
If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed by all the “future of everything” talk and just want a cozy, human place to land, you’re in the right spot. Make yourself a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and settle in. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re allowed to be thoughtful, cautious, hopeful, and fully, wonderfully human here.
Privacy Policy
Staying Human and Private
At The Human in the Loop, we believe in staying grounded, and that includes how we handle your personal information. Our privacy practices are designed to be as transparent and friendly as a cozy conversation over tea. We only collect what we need to help you navigate this page smoothly.
Information We Gather
We collect information through our newsletters and the shop links you visit. This might include your name and email address if you choose to sign up, or cookies that help us understand which blog topics resonate most with our community of women seeking connection in a digital age.
The Etsy Connection
Our tools page links directly to our Etsy shop. When you click these links, Etsy handles the purchase and data associated with the transaction. We recommend reviewing Etsy’s privacy policy to understand how they manage your shopping experience.
Questions & Conversations
Your privacy and peace of mind are our priority. If you have any questions about how we care for your data, please reach out. We’re always here for a human-to-human talk.
Last updated: February 2026