Shanghai conference to explore intersection of AI and society

As Shanghai gears up to host the 2024 Inclusion Conference on the Bund from Sept 5 to 7, the unveiling of the "2024 Top 10 Hot Topics in Technology and Humanity" on Tuesday has set the stage for engaging discussions on the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and society.

This year's conference, themed around technological inclusiveness and ethics, aims to spark meaningful dialogues surrounding the multifaceted impact of AI on society. As AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, it presents a myriad of opportunities and challenges, raising concerns about ethical considerations, the accuracy of AI-generated content, and the future trajectory of AI development. The event emphasizes the importance of proactively addressing these pressing issues.

The conference will delve into a diverse array of fields, including technology accessibility, sustainability, life sciences, and technological ethics, through a series of thought-provoking questions that touch on practical aspects of daily life. Topics such as ensuring job security in the era of AI automation, the potential of AI to replicate human emotional connections, and the ethical implications of entrusting AI with health and financial tasks underscore the complexities inherent in integrating AI into society.

With over 100 leading technology companies and research institutions participating, this year's conference promises to showcase cutting-edge AI applications and explore innovative ways to harness AI for societal benefit.

From empowering individuals with disabilities through brain-computer interfaces to pioneering climate change solutions, the event will highlight the positive potential of AI. Attendees can expect to witness firsthand how AI is reshaping various facets of life through dedicated exhibition zones focusing on future assistants, healthcare, and mobility.

A representative from the organizing committee emphasized the significance of the top 10 topics, saying that these questions serve as a starting point for a broader societal conversation.

Dedicated to advancing financial technology and technological innovations, the conference will feature a diverse array of activities, including a main forum, 36 open forums, over 10 innovator stages, two AI innovation competitions, an exhibition, a green living festival, and a technology talent recruitment fair.

The 2024 Top 10 Hot Topics in Technology and Humanity

1. How do we navigate the job market alongside AI?

2. Can AI companionship genuinely address human loneliness?

3. Should we entrust AI with our health and financial well-being?

4. Will AI exacerbate or alleviate social inequalities?

5. Can AI help mitigate climate change?

6. What values should guide the development and deployment of AI?

7. How close are we to a future of genuine human-machine symbiosis?

8. Does generative AI risk diminishing human critical thinking skills?

9. Can AI, combined with life sciences, push the boundaries of human potential and longevity?

10. Could AI evolve beyond its tool-like nature to develop consciousness and even establish its own civilization?

Luo Bin contributed to this story.