Why deep mind can’t think

The idea that artificial intelligence systems can think, feel or even become conscious is a powerful illusion created by our deeply human tendency to attribute intelligence and intention to anything that appears to communicate like us.

If you can’t beat it, use it

Just as the internet drew advertising revenue away from print media, so AI summaries are depriving news organisations of the clicks they need to survive, forcing media firms to replace people with artificially generated slop content to survive themselves.

AI can power neuroscience

A panel of neuroscience experts discussed the fusion of neuroscience, AI and pharmacology at a recent panel discussion facilitated by Monash University.

AI fuels new cyber risks

CPA Australia has warned firms that cyber criminals are riding the current AI boom to generate a new wave of cybersecurity threats, and calls for firm’s investment in AI to be matched by enhanced cybersecurity protections.

How students use – and abuse – AI

A survey of the ways students are using AI offers clues for how universities can integrate it into their teaching regimes without undermining academic credibility.

Assessing communication skills in the age of AI

In the age of AI, communication is changing, but effective human communication skills are more important than ever.

Rethinking universities in the age of AI

The onslaught of AI means that universities will have to shift from teaching information to teaching students how to think with, not against, intelligent machines.

Pop the bubble

A new book offers a smart, incisive look at the technologies sold as artificial intelligence, the drawbacks and pitfalls of technology sold under this banner, and why it’s crucial to recognize the many ways in which AI hype empowers a small set of power-hungry actors to dominate the world.

Include us out

Australian users of Meta’s social media platforms cannot opt out of having their data used to train the company’s AI models, and while avoiding AI is hard, our freedom to opt out must be protected.

The AI election

The forthcoming Federal election will offer a test of how AI-driven information could shape Australia’s democracy in the future.

Deep thought

The release of a highly capable cut-price Chinese AI system has rocked the Western AI companies which saw themselves as the disrupters of the global economy, but more fundamental problems with AI itself remain.

Looking forward from the past

Insights from scientific and social thinkers in the past could offer clues about tackling the implications of AI in the future.