Exploring the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence: A Discussion with Carter Buckner

Last week, Carter Buckner, a Ph.D. student in computer science, joined the Introduction to Digital Humanities course as a guest lecturer. Buckner provided an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-adjacent technologies, focusing on the concept of “large language models” (LLMs) and how they learn data to generate outputs.

During the class discussions, Buckner delved into the topics of error, bias, and undefined behaviors in AI. The class pondered the differences between artificial and human intelligence, questioning whether AI’s ability to produce information based on big data is equivalent to human thought and understanding.

The Introduction to Digital Humanities course, taught Curtis Maughan, a teaching assistant professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, explores technological developments from a global and multi-perspectival lens. Maughan expressed his excitement at having Buckner contribute to this interdisciplinary discussion on AI and its various impacts.

Buckner’s research interests lie in privacy studies and AI, particularly in analyzing how different stakeholders are influenced the rise of artificial intelligence. Buckner found it enlightening to gauge the class’s perspectives on AI and its adoption, using technical information to help them understand the potential impact on different groups. With AI becoming increasingly ubiquitous, Buckner emphasized that it affects everyone in unique ways, both positively and negatively.

Artificial intelligence is a complex and evolving field that continues to shape various aspects of our lives. It is crucial to foster interdisciplinary discussions, like the one led Carter Buckner, to gain a holistic understanding of AI’s capabilities, limitations, and societal implications.

Sources:
– Introduction to Digital Humanities course, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, NC State University