2nd Science Café

On Sunday, 29 September, the vibrant City of Trieste hosted the T4EU’s 2nd Science Café, as part of the 13th Trieste Next Science Festival.

This engaging event delved into the intriguing world of AI digital companions, exploring their profound impact on our daily lives and the ways they shape our perceptions of reality.

Open to the public, the café brought together an eclectic mix of professors, AI experts, and eager students, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Prof. Francesco Miele from the University of Trieste set the stage for a thought-provoking keynote lecture delivered by Prof. William Hasselberger from Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

William Hasselberger, Professor of Politics and Director of the Digital Ethics Lab at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, focused on ‘an open question about how democracy will be affected by the massive influx of non-human, human-like artificial companions.’

‘Will this improve our ability to debate with each other, to reason together, to have democratic societies, or will it undermine those abilities? What happens to democratic debate when we are inundated with fake people?’

The lecture ignited a spirited discussion on the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI tools. Key questions emerged: Should we rely on AI for artificial relationships and friendships? What constitutes ethical and beneficial use of AI companions for individuals and society? And how might the widespread adoption of these technologies reshape our societal values and self-perception as humans?
As participants grappled with these complex issues, it became clear that the conversation around AI companions is not just about technology—it’s about the essence of human connection itself.