The prevailing media narratives often depict a bleak future, marked by escalating conflicts, an impending climate crisis, and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Such depictions can foster a sense of helplessness, making it difficult to envision a way forward. However, it is crucial to challenge this sense of inevitability by exploring alternative, more hopeful scenarios. This is where speculative fiction becomes a valuable tool. It allows us to transcend the constraints of the present, offering a glimpse into diverse futures. By immersing ourselves in these envisioned worlds, we gain perspective on the actions necessary to shape a desirable outcome. These worlds offer an opportunity for the public, industry and researchers to collaborate in creating diverse and innovative visions.
This is why the forthcoming WASP-HS AI for Humanity and Society 2024 conference is themed “Creating Shared AI Futures.” The conference underscores the significance of such imaginative exercises. It emphasizes the role of speculative narratives in guiding our aspirations for AI development, encouraging us to contemplate and actively shape the kind of future we wish to pursue.
We welcome researchers, representatives from industry, and policymakers to discuss these issues on 19-20 November at Lindholmen Conference Centre in Gothenburg,