25.10.24
What Happens Next?
Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality? | 94

In the Season 9 premiere of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?”, host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests examine one of today’s most urgent topics: the impact of artificial intelligence on our perception of reality.

With AI technology evolving rapidly, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. From deepfakes that manipulate visual truth to AI companions offering mental health support, AI is reshaping how we interact with the world—and each other.

In this episode, experts explore the ethical, psychological and societal implications of these advancements. Professor Geoff Webb from Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology discusses how far AI capabilities have come in just a few years, while futurist Dr Ben Hamer warns of the dangers deepfakes pose to democracy and daily life. Dr Sue Keay, Chair of Robotics Australia, highlights the rise of humanoid robots and how they’re changing human-AI interaction, and Professor Joanna Batstone outlines the evolving relationship between humans and machines. Associate professors Ben Wellings and Stephanie Collins discuss the implications of emerging technology on politics and philosophy.

The episode also touches on the psychological impact of new technology, including the emerging phenomenon of “robotic nudging” and the value and drawbacks of AI companions. It’s an enlightening—and cautionary—preview of how these technologies could shape our future.

Listen now to hear how we can harness AI’s potential while navigating the ethical minefield it creates.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:

• Are Our Machines a Little Too Human?
• Are Humans About to Evolve?
• When can I get my new household robot?

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can We Create a Better Reality?’.

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