Hey everyone! 🤩 Recently, more than 560 guests from over 70 countries and regions gathered in Qufu, Eastern China's Shandong Province for the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations. The forum sparked dynamic debates on how artificial intelligence is transforming our world and what that means for the future of human civilization.
One hot topic was the role of AI as a natural extension of our long history of tool-making—an evolution in how we share and build knowledge. Professor Edwin Etieyibo from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa described AI as a continuation of human creativity and cultural expression, reminding us that every new tool has helped shape our journey.
On the flip side, Professor Xiang Shuchen from Xidian University warned us about the potential pitfalls. ⚠️ He emphasized that overreliance on AI, particularly in education, might erode our critical thinking skills and the uniquely human spark of creativity and empathy. With incidents like fake AI-generated music bands making the rounds, it’s a call to stay alert and thoughtful about the digital tools we embrace.
Both scholars agree that AI holds immense promise in areas like healthcare, education, and climate science. However, they stress the importance of establishing strong global ethical frameworks to ensure AI fosters inclusion instead of deepening digital divides—especially in regions like Africa, where support in tech innovation is vital. This global dialogue resonates with many of us in South and Southeast Asia who are balancing rapid modernization with rich cultural heritage.
So, what does this mean for you? Whether you're a student in Manila, a startup enthusiast in Mumbai, or a creative mind in Jakarta, the message is clear: embrace innovation, but keep the human touch alive. Let’s harness AI’s power responsibly and continue crafting a future where technology and culture thrive together. 💡🌍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
