With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its entrance in social media apps, the news and typical conversations may feel overwhelming. Questions of “What even is it?” “Will it take over?” and “Should I use it?” are dilemmas humans face in today’s modern age of technology. Remember when Apple’s Face ID freaked everyone out, or those times when your TikTok “For You” page has become a bit too personal? Well, that’s AI at work.

Luckily, easing ideas of uncertainty and confusion around AI can be accomplished near here in South Los Angeles. Below are both on-campus and off-campus events and activities that anyone can attend to think critically, engage with and get educated on AI and all of its impacts.

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A Carative Approach to AI Governance

Look no further than what USC has to offer for AI learning. Requiring no payment and travel, the Center for AI in Society is hosting an informational Zoom on Nov. 9 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: “A Carative Approach to AI Governance.” Kush Varshney, senior manager at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, is offering a possible solution for the lack of governance in AI. The talk will focus on how looking through the lens of a nursing theory perspective — an especially caring and empathetic route — can help determine who has access to AI and what the technology is used for. Varshney will, for example, look at the lack of governance in rural India specifically on who should have access to solar panels.

New Directions 2023

Staying on campus, yet held in person this year, is the 2023 “New Directions in Research on the Psychology of Technology” conference hosted by Psychology of Technology Institute. With this year’s theme being “The Psychology of AI Value Alignment,” the two-day event on Nov. 3 and 4 will bring together CEOs, scientists and AI experts, all in favor of creating a world with more healthy and daily interactions with AI. Broken down into eight sessions, ranging from data blitz to individual well-being, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from about 22 different guest speakers. Carey Morewedge, a professor of marketing and an expert in psychological research, for example, will discuss the human biases in AI algorithms. The event’s schedule is subject to any final changes and more guest speakers may be included.

Ethics in the Age of AI

Whether you’re a tech genius or simply curious about how AI affects our world, on Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Viterbi School of Engineering will host “Ethics in the Age of AI.” Attendees will get the opportunity to dive deep into philosophical AI dilemmas and be challenged to think about how technology, humanity and ethics are all influenced by each other. Now, AI is added to that mix.

AI and Me Conference

Interested in exploring AI outside of campus walls? Head on over to El Monte this Sunday, Oct. 29 for the “AI and Me” Conference. Providing a full day of AI experiences and learning objectives, the event is made for AI enthusiasts and crazily curious people. The conference is composed of talks about several fields that AI is becoming prevalent in. Want to go into medicine or entertainment? You’re in luck, because there are whole discussions focused on both, plus more — including marketing, business and even how AI and identity are interlinked.

Is HR Already Behind in the AI Revolution?

Make your way to Culver City on Nov. 9 for an event about human resources and AI. Judy Albers, director of research enablement at the Institute for Corporate Productivity and the moderator of the event, and four guest speakers will share their research findings on HR and AI. After conducting a global research study, they are now able to share what causes organizations to perform highly over others with respect to AI and what the future of AI has in store. Individuals working in HR or anyone with a free Thursday off are encouraged to attend and can purchase tickets online.