Dr. Federica Fornaciari, a Professor and children's book author with expertise in emerging technologies and privacy, explores the delicate balance between innovation and ethics in education. She discusses the importance of incorporating ethical considerations in AI, emphasizing critical media literacy to combat misinformation. Federica highlights how innovation can foster emotional connections within educational communities and stresses the need for transparency in technology use. Her insights delve into AI's role in enhancing creativity while addressing the ethical implications of its deployment.
An ethics-rich education in the age of generative AI encourages critical thinking about the societal narratives and implications of emerging technologies.
Balancing technological innovation and ethical considerations is essential to navigate the awe and fear surrounding the societal impact of artificial intelligence.
Enhancing media literacy among students is crucial to combat challenges posed by deepfakes and promote critical engagement with information sources.
Deep dives
The Importance of Ethics-Rich Education
Leveraging an ethics-rich education is crucial in the era of generative AI. This approach fosters critical thinking among students about the implications of AI technologies, encouraging them to analyze media portrayals and societal narratives surrounding AI. Discussions may revolve around how these narratives tap into human emotions and question the motivations behind various media messages. For instance, analyzing different headlines about AI could prompt students to reflect on the broader implications of AI beyond mere technological advancements.
Technological Sublime and AI
The concept of 'technological sublime' is relevant when discussing the societal impact of artificial intelligence. It embodies the mix of awe, admiration, and fear that many experience when confronting advanced technologies such as generative AI. This notion allows for questioning the cultural implications of AI and emphasizes the necessity of balancing technological innovation with ethical considerations. As the novelty of AI fades, it becomes essential to maintain focus on human values to ensure that technology serves the greater good.
The Role of Privacy and Data Agency
Privacy concerns surrounding technology, especially AI, are increasingly significant as society becomes more intertwined with digital services. Consumer experiences, such as price discrimination based on purchasing patterns, highlight how technology companies leverage personal data without adequate transparency. Moreover, the intricate dynamics of consumer behavior and privacy are compounded by the market pressures of social media and e-commerce platforms where users often trade their data for convenience. Understanding these implications necessitates advocating for stronger data protection measures and ethical standards in technology usage.
Media Literacy in a World of Deepfakes
The rise of deepfakes challenges public trust and highlights the importance of media literacy. Educators must equip students with the skills to identify and critically evaluate synthetic media content, emphasizing the need for skepticism even towards trusted sources. Teaching students to question the authenticity of information and engage with diverse viewpoints can help create a more informed society. This focus on media literacy not only responds to the challenges posed by deepfakes but also fosters a culture of critical engagement with media across various platforms.
Future of Communication Studies and AI
The collaboration between AI and human communication is set to transform the field of communication studies significantly. AI possesses the analytical capability to identify audience trends, but maintaining the human touch in communication is vital to preserve authenticity and empathy. As AI becomes more accessible, understanding its role in fostering personalized communication strategies while adhering to ethical standards becomes essential. Courses emphasizing ethical communication in the age of AI will be paramount in guiding future practitioners to use technology responsibly while amplifying human connections.
On this week we speak with Dr. Federica Fornaciari, who is a Professor, a researcher, a children’s book author, and the Academic Program Director for the MA in Strategic Communications at National University.
She received a doctorate in Communication with a concentration in Electronic Security and Privacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University.
Her research and teaching revolve around emerging technologies, privacy issues, digital identities, frame theory, and media representation. Federica has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters including “The silver generation and beauty: does American culture provide models for positive ageing?” in Critical Studies in Fashion & Beauty; “Reframing Hate: The Changing Face of White Power Narratives” in Discourse Analysis and Conflict Studies. “What is Privacy Anyway? A Longitudinal Analysis of Media Frames of Privacy” in the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy, and “Pricey privacy: Framing the economy of information in the digital age” in First Monday. A storyteller at heart, Federica recently published her first children’s book titled “Rosa & Cammy: From Reggio to the World” to cultivate cultural bridges and ignite young minds with the magic of imagination. Federica’s multifaceted journey embodies the spirit of exploration, nurturing intellectual growth, and fostering connection amidst the ever-evolving landscape of communication.
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Dr. Fornaciari discusses the concept of technological sublime and its application to AI. The technological sublime refers to the awe, admiration, and fear that arise when encountering a monumental technological advancement. AI, particularly generative AI, elicits a sense of technological sublime due to its ability to push the boundaries of human creativity and intelligence. However, there is also a sense of apprehension and concern about the societal impacts of AI and the potential loss of human values. The conversation also touches on the importance of privacy, media literacy, and critical thinking in the age of deepfakes.