Toward Cross-disciplinary Consensus About Our (Mis)Information Environment
Nov 2, 2023
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Angela Aristidou, a CASBS fellow, and Phil Howard, a renowned scholar of tech innovation, discuss the challenges of understanding and regulating our information ecosystems, interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of the information environment, AI language models, and more.
Promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration is crucial for addressing social problems and improving public life.
AI can facilitate scientific consensus-building by helping experts identify points of agreement and surfacing global research.
Deep dives
AI governance as a practical matter for the social science community
In this podcast episode, two scholars, Angelo Aristudu and Phil Howard, discuss the practical implications of AI governance for the social science community. They explore the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration and testing of measures and countermeasures for causal effects. The conversation also delves into the concept of AI voice rights and the challenges social scientists face when using AI to find consensus about the use of AI itself.
The challenges of aggregating and cross-pollinating knowledge across disciplines
One of the key challenges discussed in this podcast is the aggregation and cross-pollination of knowledge across different disciplines. The scholars highlight the importance of bringing together research from various fields, such as behavioral sciences, sociology, law, and public policy, to address social problems and improve public life. They emphasize the need to develop methodologies and tools that enable the study of complex problems from multiple perspectives.
The potential dangers and benefits of large language models and AI
The podcast touches upon the potential dangers and benefits of large language models and AI. There is a recognition of the manipulation of data for political purposes and the need for effective regulation in this area. On the positive side, there is excitement about the opportunities offered by AI in aggregating knowledge, improving research efficiency, and addressing social inequalities. The scholars also discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in healthcare and education.
Engaging the scientific community in finding solutions and consensus
The conversation delves into how the scientific community can contribute to finding solutions and consensus in addressing challenges posed by AI. The scholars highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, organization, and dialogues to foster creativity and innovation. They also discuss the potential role of AI in facilitating and enhancing the process of scientific consensus-building, by helping experts identify points of agreement and surfacing research from all corners of the globe.
Fully understanding and regulating our complex information ecosystems will require creating new cultures and modes of collaborating, new organizational frameworks and, yes, working with generative AI models in service of aggregating actionable scientific knowledge. Angela Aristidou (CASBS fellow, 2022-23) navigates the crucial questions and challenges with Phil Howard (CASBS fellow, 2008-09), a renowned scholar of tech innovation and public policy as well as co-founder and chair of the new International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE).