Think Twice About Tech: Experts Share at Beijing Forum! 🌐

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and super-fast computers might change our world? 🌍 On Saturday, some super-smart people gathered at Tsinghua University in Beijing to talk about just that!

At the 6th Media Materiality Forum, Professors Liu Hailong from Renmin University and Jens Schröter from the University of Bonn shared their thoughts. They said it’s important we think carefully about how new tech affects not just us humans but also our planet. 🌱🌟

Professor Liu talked about how in some places, people see technology as just tools—like how a hammer is just for hitting nails. But he said we should think more about how we, our tools, and nature all connect. ♻️ He warned that thinking computers can keep getting faster and bigger forever ignores that our Earth has limits. For example, running big AI programs uses a lot of energy and can lead to more electronic waste. ⚠️

Professor Schröter agreed! He mentioned quantum computers, which are super-powerful machines that can solve problems faster than regular computers. 💻 But he cautioned that these could also make it easier to hack into our private data if we’re not careful. 🔓

“Instead of thinking of technology as a huge revolution that changes everything overnight, maybe we should see it as something that evolves slowly, like a growing tree,” Professor Schröter said. 🌳

Both professors believe that while AI can do cool things, it’s still humans who decide what to do with it. “Machines can process data, but it’s people who ask the important questions,” Professor Liu explained. 🤖❤️

They also noted that while AI can help us be more productive, it might change jobs in areas like music, art, and even law. Have you ever seen a computer write a song or draw a picture? 🎵🎨 It’s awesome, but it also means we need to think about how people will work alongside machines in the future.

So, what can we do? Both experts say it’s important for everyone—including kids and teens like you!—to join the conversation about technology. Let’s talk about what kinds of tech we want and how it should be used. Maybe that means inventing new ways to make gadgets that are good for the environment or thinking up rules to keep our data safe. 🌟

Remember, technology isn’t just about cool gadgets and games; it’s about shaping the world we live in. And guess what? You can be a part of that future! 🚀

Reference(s):

Scholars urge rethinking tech's role in human and planetary futures

cgtn.com