Artificial intelligence in focus: opportunities and challenges of the future

Artificial intelligence in focus: opportunities and challenges of the future

In the ballroom of the Archbishop's high school in Hollabrunn, there was an exciting opening event of the Hollabrunner lectures, which devoted itself to a very current topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI). The discussion was not only informative, but also stimulating, since experts illuminate various perspectives on the opportunities and risks that this advanced tool brings.

Moderator Erich Erich led through the discussion in which top-class experts such as social media expert Andre Wolf and the philosopher Robert König took part. Wolf made it clear that pictures in the minds of people can be deeply anchored, which can distort the perception of reality. His warning: "A picture doesn't necessarily have to be right." This refers to the need for critical media literacy, especially at a time when information can be strongly manipulated.

The role of AI in society

König asked the provocative question of whether the combination of the terms “artificial” and “intelligence” makes sense at all. He expressed the fear that the philosophy may be behind the technology. Clemens Appl, a lawyer in the round, explained the high demands placed on AI that would never apply to people. This raises questions about the legal framework that will be necessary for future developments in AI applications.

A central topic of the discussion was the need for disclosure and transparency in relation to AI applications. Appl pointed out that copyright is clearly differentiated whether texts are created by people or machines. Trust in people often remains higher in critical situations than in algorithms. Wolf underlined that AI can only work as well as the underlying training material allows, which in turn raises the question of truth and its distortion.

The critical handling of technologies

The experts agreed that AI can be helpful as a tool, for example for writing texts, but they warn against using it for research, since AI cannot recognize them independently. A consensus call was: "The awareness of the media is crucial."

In addition, it was emphasized that it is due to everyone to critically question what is communicated in order to actively participate in political and social life. The round could not agree with the question of whether the AI means the decline of culture or the beginning of a new era. It remains the challenge that, as a responsible subject, people are required in dealing with this technology.