AI dominates public conversation, yet it can be difficult to separate hype from reality. This two-hour talk examines where AI is actually making an impact today across sectors such as health, education, work, culture, creative industries and public institutions. We explore what has changed, what remains stubbornly human, and what is still speculative. Through clear examples and discussion, we consider how AI interacts with economics, policy, labour and knowledge systems, and why hype cycles persist. The course is non-technical and designed for curious citizens who want an informed, evidence-based picture of AI’s role in contemporary society.
- Overview of current AI landscape and public narratives (hype vs fear vs reality)
- What AI is actually doing now: key capabilities and limitations
- Sector case studies: health, education, work, culture, creative industries and public institutions
- Economic and labour impacts: automation, augmentation and new forms of work
- Policy and governance considerations: who benefits and who decides?
- What remains stubbornly human (judgement, care, ethics, creativity)
- Emerging trends to watch and open questions for the decade ahead
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain how AI is influencing work, knowledge, policy and culture today
- Discuss who benefits from AI adoption and who is affected
- Evaluate claims about AI with greater critical literacy
- Connect contemporary AI developments to broader social and economic trends
- Ask informed questions about AI’s future role in public life
