AI Sparks Emotions – Greetings from the Community College
The goal of the AI4Citizens project is to foster discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and make it clear that AI belongs to everyone. We want to encourage people to engage with AI and use it as a set of tools to shape the futures.
AI fascinates and intrigues but it also confuses and even frightens. People's understanding of AI varies widely: some have worked with it for years (analytics, machine learning...), while for others, the rise of generative AI has introduced the topic as something entirely new.
Last fall, we were invited to visit the Adult Education Centre of the Tampere region to talk about AI with two discussion groups, called “Ajassa liikkuu” and “Elämänpiirit”. The participants, mainly retirees from Tampere region, regularly gather to explore current events and societal phenomena. These meetings offered a unique glimpse into how AI is perceived from their perspective.
AI Evokes Curiosity and Uncertainty
Our discussions highlighted the sense of mystery surrounding AI, amplified by clickbait headlines in the media. Yet, there was also a genuine interest in its possibilities. Participants reflected on where AI could be beneficial in everyday life and where it might not belong at all. A shared theme was the desire to stay informed and understand the changes shaping society.
AI was seen as an inevitable part of the futures and, in many ways, the present. While many found learning about it exciting, uncertainty and even fear surfaced in our conversations. Concerns centered around AI replacing human jobs, the increasing difficulty of detecting misinformation, cybersecurity risks, and the potential misuse of AI.
Critical Thinking and Constructive Debate
Despite these concerns, there was a strong interest in AI’s potential. Participants recognized that AI is already integrated into various aspects of life and it could be leveraged to improve services. Ideas that emerged included simplifying digital services through voice-controlled solutions and enhancing task allocation in healthcare so that repetitive, time-consuming work could be handled by AI and robotics, leaving more time for human interaction.
At the same time, there was a strong call for open and balanced discussions that weigh both the benefits and the risks of AI. Increasing awareness, fostering critical thinking, and providing concrete examples help build an understanding of how AI can be used responsibly and ethically.
Towards Inclusive and Responsible AI Development
Discussions about AI are often shaped by the working-age population, but how can we ensure that the voices of those no longer in the workforce are also heard? They bring valuable life experience, insight, and expertise that should be included in shaping AI’s future.
AI will not become more human-centered on its own we must actively work towards it. Each of us can strengthen our future skills by exploring and experimenting with AI in our own daily lives. Inclusivity and diverse perspectives are key to responsible development.
The future doesn’t just happen. We create it together!