AI and Socioeconomic Development: Friend or Foe

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST (GMT -05:00)

Whether we like it or not, whether we realize it or not, applications of Artificial Intelligence have quickly become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. The Google Maps we all rely on, your daily newsfeed, and the conversations you have with Alexa or Siri are all driven by AI. Some worry that over-smart AI-driven computers will one day control us, or that AI-driven social media apps threaten personal welfare, science-based truth and democracy.  Other observers maintain that AI will free people from mundane, repetitive tasks and rapidly facilitate rapid socioeconomic development. This session looks at the potential pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence and how AI is being used to improve outcomes in health programming, deployment of human resources and promotion of labour equity. The session will also examine whether AI algorithms as currently applied, may incorporate implicit gender biases.  Join us when panelists Katie Clancy, John Hirdes and Joel Blit discuss the pros and cons of AI and how AI can be applied to improve socioeconomic outcomes.

Contact Info: Bill Duggan bill.duggan@uwaterloo.ca and Jean Lowry jean.lowry@uwaterloo.ca

The event will be held over Zoom: uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/91863962797?pwd=aCtRNU01SzdMZ3RaZjlUTVBXQ25adz09