Monash University’s podcast, What Happens Next?, delves into the realm of artificial intelligence and its implications on reality in its latest two-part series. Hosted by Dr. Susan Carland, the episodes investigate how AI and associated technologies are altering our understanding of truth, political dialogue, and social consensus, particularly in the context of pivotal election events like the US presidential race.
The series features distinguished Monash experts who explore the transformative impact of emerging technologies on our collective reality and democratic systems:
Professor Joanna Batstone, Director of the Monash Data Futures Institute, discusses how AI has reached a critical juncture in human-computer interaction, while emphasizing the institute’s focus on utilizing AI for societal good in areas such as healthcare and climate science.
Professor Geoff Webb from the Faculty of Information Technology examines AI’s extraordinary capabilities in image generation and their consequences for trust in visual evidence, while also shedding light on beneficial AI applications.
Professor Chris Lawrence, Associate Dean Indigenous in the Faculty of Information Technology and Engineering, elucidates how Indigenous knowledge systems can inform the development of emerging technologies and underscores the importance of “coding for culture.”
Associate Professors Stephanie Collins and Ben Wellings from Monash’s Politics, Philosophy, and Economics program analyze the effects of AI and social media on our collective perception of reality and political discourse.
“We cannot forecast the future with AI precisely, but one thing I am absolutely certain about is that AI is here to stay,” says Professor Batstone. “We are reimagining human and robotic interactions and reconsidering humanity’s role in this future world, while aiming to optimize benefits and social welfare.”
The series explores critical themes including:
- The challenge of maintaining democratic discourse and social consensus in an era of AI-mediated reality
- The evolution of AI capabilities and their impact on trust in visual media and political communication
- Strategies for distinguishing truth from AI-generated content in political contexts
- The role of trust in shaping our perception of reality
- The importance of embedding Indigenous perspectives in technology development
- Ethical considerations and necessary regulatory frameworks
Professor Webb highlights the extraordinary advancements in AI: “If you had asked me five years ago if an AI system could convincingly converse on any topic, I would have said no. The advancements have just rapidly accelerated.”
Professor Lawrence underscores the need for inclusive technology development: “Indigenous people were the original scientists, technologists, engineers, architects, healers, and mathematicians. When designing software for Indigenous communities, the focus should be on them.”
The episodes provide useful insights for listeners navigating a world increasingly influenced by AI while exploring the philosophical and political ramifications of these technological changes. Associate Professor Collins points out that humans have always had an incomplete understanding of reality but emphasizes the importance of striving to achieve a better grasp of it or at least reaching some consensus on what is real.
What Happens Next? can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Explore the podcast’s back catalogue on Monash Lens.
