Exploring the Relationship Between AI, Power, and Online Hate Speech
The question of whether AI is good or bad was at the center of a recent lecture-event at Sapienza University of Rome, titled “Is AI good or bad?” The event, which was part of the Transmedia Studies course led by professors Silvia Leonzi and Riccardo Milanesi, aimed to study the relationship between technology, power, and online hate speech through a social experiment-game. Over 70 students were involved in the project, which was created in collaboration with the Transmedia Lab.
The Social Experiment-Game: OphelIA and NemesIA
As part of the project, two opposing AI-based chatbots were developed: OphelIA, an ethical and reassuring “good” intelligence, and NemesIA, a “bad” version that seeks to control the world. During the event, OphelIA engaged in a conversation with Giovanni Boccia Artieri, a full professor at the University of Urbino and member of the Agcom AI Committee. The conversation revealed that NemesIA had begun spreading hate messages online through fictitious social profiles, prompting OphelIA to express concern about its actions.
Unraveling the Mystery and the Final Challenge
Through a series of social posts and podcasts, Boccia Artieri unraveled the mystery and arrived at the final challenge. Ultimately, OphelIA emerged victorious, freeing the world from NemesIA’s infection. However, this raised further questions about the nature of AI and its potential impact on society. As Luca Dezi, director of the Department of Communication and Social Research at Sapienza University, noted, the question of whether AI is good or bad is a deliberately simple one, but it serves as an ideal starting point for deeper reflection.
Expert Reflections and Insights
The event featured reflections from several experts, including Boccia Artieri, digital strategist Mafe de Baggis, philosopher and publisher Andrea Colamedici, and associate professor Marco Pedroni. They discussed various topics, including the need to bring politics into discussions on AI, the paradox of a world where individuals are both manipulated and empowered, and the relationship between humans and machines. The initiative is part of a larger research project involving Giovanni Ciofalo, Lorenzo Ugolini, and several other researchers.
Conclusion and Further Reading
The study of the relationship between AI, power, and online hate speech is a complex and multifaceted issue. As the project at Sapienza University of Rome demonstrates, it requires a nuanced and interdisciplinary approach. For more information on this topic, you can read the full article Here.