The Sheldonian Series third year opened with a panel which focused on the theme of identity, interrogating recent fears around AI, and social media.
The panel which took place on 10 November was led by Count Binface’s human alter-ego Jon Harvey, author and broadcaster Emma Dabiri, and investigative journalist Catrin Nye.
The series purpose is to open debates on current topical subjects to not only members of the Oxford University community but to the public as well, being open to all.
Professor Lady Sue Black, President of St John’s College, who moderated the panel said: “the question of personal identity is both timely and topical,” in a time of such complicated dynamics between the digital world, AI, and how we understand ourselves.
The panellists discussed the role of AI and its billionaire owners and their responsibilities and accountability.
There has been controversy around the recent incorporation of AI systems like Mavin Smart System (MSS) in the US’s Pentagon’s weapons technology, and its use in the ongoing conflict in Iran. Similar frustrations have been voiced around the role of powerful companies like Palantir in the NHS, and the technology’s access to healthcare information, making this discussion more relevant than ever.
When discussing AI’s relationship to identity the panellists asked how AI’s new hold has the potential to reduce people to numbers and data in the eyes of big companies.
Emma Dabiri asked: “whether a mass migration offline might be the most powerful thing we can all do.”
The panellists discussed the current landscape of social media and its diverse and polarised elements, as well as going viral. Jon Harvey discussed his experiences from the Clayton by-election while Catrin Nye discussed the reaction to her podcast A Very British Cult.
Jon Harvey noted that the subject of personal identity was one particularly relevant to him given that in the past year he has gained international fame for “a completely different identity.”
He noted that on the panel: “there seemed to be a consensus about the disquieting state of the internet and the AI revolution.
“I found the consensus itself energising.”
The panel also discussed whether the short term gains of the current digital landscape outweigh the potential long term consequences. This included discussion of AI’s impact on the job market and laws surrounding generative content and questions of online trust.
Lady Sue Black said: “one question stayed with me: how much of what we see is real, and how do we know what truth is any more?”
The next Sheldonian series panel will be taking place in early 2027, the panellists and subject are yet to be announced. For an opportunity to attend the next talk register for the mailing list.