Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming various aspects of our lives, including the way young people learn, play, and interact. This pervasive technology is no longer a thing of the future; it’s a key driver in shaping contemporary childhood.
Mona Sloane, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia specializing in data science and media studies, is deeply involved in studying AI’s integration into daily life. On February 11, she will lead a discussion on the implications of growing up in an AI-driven world. This event is part of her ongoing Co-Opting AI series and will feature conversations with experts to shed light on AI’s impact on youth and what adults need to be aware of.
In anticipation of the event, UVA Today interviewed Sloane to learn more about her research and the themes she plans to address. Those interested can register to attend either online or in-person.
Understanding Co-Opting AI
According to Sloane, “It is an event series I have been running since 2019 through UVA’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab, in collaboration with the (New York University) Institute for Public Knowledge. The event series looks to ask bigger questions about what kinds of social, political and economic changes are afoot as these predictive systems get baked into social life.”
Each session in the series delves into a specific real-world theme. Previous topics have ranged from national security to food, intimacy, and transportation. The upcoming event will focus on children, offering an opportunity to engage with specialists who bring a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Meet the Experts on Children’s Interaction with AI
Sloane has invited Ashleigh Greene Wade, a specialist in social media and Black girlhood, who provides insights into the experiences of Black girls as digital systems continue to evolve. Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics will also participate. As a veteran in the field of digital children’s rights, she examines the rights children should possess in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Annabelle Blake, a design practitioner at Canva and a doctoral candidate, will also be part of the panel. Blake’s work explores how children creatively engage with AI, such as chatbots and virtual agents, and seeks to understand patterns in these interactions. Their research also addresses how educational tools can be designed to cater to children’s unique needs in AI-enhanced spaces.
Read More Here
