Fifteenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge & Society

Abstract

The deployment of existing digital technologies is resulting in reactive governance and education policies across all social, cultural and political contexts. Closer analysis shows unexpected impacts on the learning and decision-making capacities of democratic citizens. In particular, how temporal and spatial factors are reshaping risk assessment, problem-solving and memory. This trans-disciplinary study explores the potential impact of AI on cognitive and emotional intelligence. Could AI weaken place-based relationships that generate diversity in knowledge, skills and values? Could deploying AI without robust citizen competencies, erode ownership of ‘ends and means’ and the realisation of human needs? How to revitalise the role of physical experience in developing critical, cooperative and creative competencies is discussed. Solutions to improve governance are also presented in models to strengthen community motivation, abilities and opportunities for learning and decision-making about AI.