USC Libraries & The Ahmanson Labs' recent AI Meetup brought together a diverse group of minds to explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence in our lives. From computer science students to writing instructors and librarians, USC staff and graduate students gathered to share experiences, concerns, and visions for AI's future.
Real-World Applications and Experiences
Participants shared fascinating examples of AI integration in their daily lives. One member described their experience with Otter AI handling medical transcription, while another noted the increasing presence of Waymo autonomous vehicles. In a heartwarming application, a participant shared how they're using generative AI to create a Taylor Swift-themed birthday party for their child.
The business applications were equally diverse, with members discussing AI's role in:
- Product development and generation
- HR task automation
- Consumer content personalization
- Analysis of large spreadsheets
- Social media content adaptation, particularly converting long-form videos into short-form content
- Healthcare applications, including monitoring systems for elderly care
- Personalized health and fitness coaching
- Document management, including indexing testimonials and records
Business AI resources: Artificial Intelligence for Business
Educational Impact and Tools
The discussion highlighted various AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, with participants noting both their capabilities and limitations. In education, particular attention was paid to:
- Coding assistance and development support
- Writing enhancement and feedback
- The importance of maintaining critical thinking skills alongside AI usage
- Concerns about student engagement and learning processes
More AI resources: Using Generative AI in Research
Critical Considerations and Concerns
The meetup fostered thoughtful discussion about AI's challenges and ethical implications:
Transparency and Privacy
Participants emphasized the importance of understanding data sources and AI tool transparency, particularly when working with generated code or content.
Equity and Access
The group discussed historical patterns of technological inequality, raising concerns about:
- Access to premium AI models
- Distribution of AI's benefits across society
- The potential widening of existing social gaps
Ethical Development
Members stressed the need for:
- Balanced approach to AI integration
- Understanding both benefits and risks
- Maintaining human creativity while automating routine tasks
- Stronger emphasis on ethics in tech development, beyond public image considerations
Looking Forward
Future meetups will explore:
- Applications (Show & Tell) of tools like Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity across coding, writing, and research
- Deep dives into data privacy practices of AI companies
- Investigation of platforms like Laser AI for building custom AI agents
- Continued discussion of ethical implementation and development
Key Takeaways
The meetup emphasized several crucial points:
- AI should supplement rather than replace human work and understanding
- There's a need to balance automation of routine tasks while preserving creative processes
- Understanding both benefits and risks is crucial for responsible AI implementation
- Open discussion and diverse perspectives are vital for navigating AI's future
This meetup provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences and concerns while fostering a community dedicated to understanding and shaping AI's role in our future. The diverse perspectives and practical experiences shared demonstrate both the exciting potential and important challenges we must address as AI continues to evolve.
Next Meetup February 18, 2-3pm in The Ahmanson Lab
Slack Channel coming soon…