A Community Conversation on Artificial Intelligence: Risks, Benefits, and Responsibility

AI technologies are being celebrated for their potential to revolutionize business and everyday life: doctors are using AI transcription to record appointment notes; Google is providing AI summaries of websites; and ChatGPT is being consulted by individuals and companies for all kinds of questions each and every day. But there are significant ethical risks that come along with every emerging technology – and generative AI is no exception. Responding to the rapid increase in AI tools requires AI literacy, a combination of knowledge about how these technologies work alongside critical engagement with ethical concerns. In this session, we'll help you bolster your AI literacy skills, outlining the basic functions of these tools and helping you weigh the potential risks with the potential benefits. We'll tackle questions such as:* What questions should I ask if I'm thinking about using AI tools?* How should individuals and groups disclose their use of AI?* When should I refuse AI technologies?* Who is benefiting most from AI development? And are the benefits being equally distributed?* What does the future of AI look like?These are key questions we all must ask and answer together. Join philosopher Dr. Jonathan Beever and literacy/writing scholar Dr. Laurie A. Pinkert for a discussion about the evolving AI landscape and its implications for everyday individuals. About the Presenters:Jonathan Beever, PhD, is a University of Maine alumnus (B. A. Philosophy, 2003) and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Central Florida, where he teaches digital ethics. His National Science Foundation-funded research focuses on emerging technologies, ethical decision-making, and artificial intelligence. Laurie A. Pinkert, PhD, is a University of Maine alumna (M. A. English, 2008) and Associate Professor of Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Central Florida, where she teaches AI Literacies. Her work examines the impact of AI on communication, education, and literacy, and she has consulted on AI policy development and research. Together, Jonathan and Laurie have presented on AI in a variety of public and academic settings. They co-developed a university certificate program on the human impacts of big data and artificial intelligence and have published on AI, ethics, and academic integrity. They are passionate about helping communities better understand and engage with the opportunities and challenges of AI.