Upcoming talk explores societal impact of artificial intelligence

NEWS RELEASE
FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we live, work and understand the world around us. At the forefront of this revolution are large language models (LLMs), which are reshaping the way we interact with information. But how exactly are these technologies influencing our perception of truth and reality?

The FirstOntario PAC has proudly partnered with the Brock University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Science to present "In Search of Truth: How Large Language Models Are Shaping Our Reality (and How We Are Shaping Theirs!)"—a thought-provoking public talk that will explore the capabilities, limitations, and ethical challenges of AI in the digital age. This Pay-What-You-Can event takes place on Friday 1 November at 7pm.

Led by Dr. Ali Emami, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Brock University, the talk will share an engaging journey into the world of AI. Through real-life examples and stories, Dr. Emami will delve into the surprising ways these models reflect societal behaviours—sometimes offering "glaringly problematic" results, other times delivering "impressively insightful" responses.

“We can use LLMs to interrogate and probe for information, and while we think we’re probing a machine, we’re actually probing society,” Dr. Emami says. “LLMs act as mirrors, providing us a reflection of ourselves.”

One focus of Dr. Emami's research examines how LLMs can uncover historical biases and reveal shifts in cultural perspectives over time. At the same time, Dr. Emami is working to address the gaps between LLM outputs and human behaviour, with a focus on creating more ethical AI responses. His research also explores the potential of LLMs to generate personalized, diverse stories that resonate with readers from all backgrounds.

"My research team is exploring how LLMs can be harnessed for societal benefit while also critically examining their limitations and potential risks," Dr. Emami says.

This event is part of an ongoing collaboration between Brock University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Science and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, aimed at bringing exciting developments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to the local community.

“Informative public lectures, such as the talk Dr. Emami is leading, is one of many ways we’re making STEM more accessible to our local community,” says Dr. Peter Berg, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Science at Brock. “Artificial intelligence is a hot topic many people are curious about. It’s my hope people will leave the presentation with an appreciation for what AI can potentially achieve, but also what its limitations and biases might be,” he says.

“Art and science are both about exploring the world through unique lenses,” says Sara Palmieri, Director of Programming and Marketing at the Performing Arts Centre. “By partnering with Brock University, we’re creating opportunities for the community to better understand how technologies like AI are impacting our society—and their own lives.”

This pay-what-you-can (PWYC) event is a unique opportunity for curious minds of all backgrounds to gain a deeper understanding of the AI revolution and its profound effects on our world. 

Learn more and get tickets.

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