AI at SXSW 2023: Experts Discuss How It's Reshaping Our World

05/2/2023

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From search engines and self-driving cars to film, artificial intelligence is already disrupting major industries and the possibilities for what's next seem endless. The 2023 SXSW Conference showcased phenomenal sessions that explored the world of AI. Global innovators and creatives gathered to not only talk about advancements in tech but to examine its societal impact.

Across AI-related Featured Sessions, experts highlighted the many layers of AI and how it is reshaping our world. Collectively, these SXSW sessions posed a new question: "What does it mean to be human in a world of artificial intelligence?

During Other AI: Artificial Intimacy, psychotherapist Esther Perel delved into how AI can impact human relationships by exploring the possibility of creating connections with AI to provide a new level of companionship and emotional support. Founder of Signal And Cipher Ian Beacraft uncovered how AI can be used to create a more immersive and personalized experience in the Metaverse during his session, How AI and the Metaverse will Shape Society.

Tech entrepreneur whurley examined the potential of quantum computing to solve problems that are currently unsolvable during Quantum AI: Why Your Future Depends on Quantum Computing & Artificial Intelligence. OpenAI’s Co-founder and President Greg Brockman talked about the ethical guardrails that come along with this new era of innovation. ChatGPT, DALL·E and the Impact of Generative AI honed in on the importance of creating a "global governance" to ensure diversity in decision making around AI.

"Every organization, government or otherwise, is going to have to understand AI." – Greg Brockman

No industry is immune to AI with film, television, and design also feeling the shakeup. In the session Understanding the Role of AI in Reshaping the Film & Television Industry, Wonder Dynamics founders Nikola Todorovic and Tye Sheridan along with Angjoo Kanazawa (UC Berkeley Assistant Professor) and Antonio Torralba (Professor and Head of AI and Decision Making at MIT) explored how AI is being used to automate tasks and enhance the creative process. VP of Design and AI at Microsoft, John Maeda returned with his Design in Tech Report 2023 which focused on the challenges and opportunities in designing ethical and human-centered AI systems.

From human relationships to the entertainment industry, and beyond, the Conference showcased the potential of AI to enhance our experiences and solve complex problems, while also emphasizing the importance of designing ethical and human-centered AI systems. Whether you missed out on these AI-related Featured Sessions or just can't get enough of them, we've got you covered!

How AI and the Metaverse will Shape Society

Ian Beacraft, founder of Signal And Cipher, shared his thoughts on Generative AI and its potential to create human connections across different spaces. By digitizing skill sets, making them programmable, and upgradeable, it opens up new opportunities for people to connect and collaborate.

"It’s about creating human connection in different spaces.”

Esther Perel on The Other AI: Artificial Intimacy

Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel explores the impact of AI on our relationships, examining how it is affecting our partnerships, friendships, and communities.

“Artificial intimacy is full of disrupted connections that have become normalized and socially acceptable.”

Design in Tech Report 2023: Design and Artificial Intelligence

As the VP of Design and AI at Microsoft, John Maeda brought a unique perspective to the discussion of how technology can intersect with neuroscience and personal strength. His message emphasized the importance of not only advancing technology, but also cultivating a deeper understanding of the human experience.

"The hand, the mind, and the heart working together can create extraordinary things.”

Quantuman AI: Why Your Future Depends on Quantum Computing & Artificial Intelligence

Tech entrepreneur William Hurley, commonly known as whurley, delves into the opportunities, challenges, and dangers Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence present.

“I think there’s a lot of dystopian fears out there and we should be talking about the utopian stuff.”

Understanding the Role of AI in Reshaping the Film & TV Industry

This thought-provoking session brought together experts Angjoo Kanazawa (UC Berkeley Assistant Professor), Antonio Torralba (Professor and Head of AI and Decision Making at MIT) and Wonder Dynamics founders, Nikola Todorovic and Tye Sheridan to examine the latest AI-powered innovations in the film and television industry and explored how it could change the way we create and consume media.

ChatGPT, DALL·E and the Impact of Generative AI

OpenAI Co-founder Greg Brockman gives an insider's look at the research lab behind popular creative tools “DALL·E” and “ChatGPT” and some of the most sophisticated advances in AI.

Watch SXSW On-Demand Content

Relive all the amazing moments of the 2023 SXSW Conference on the official SXSW YouTube channel. Head to SXSW News for additional full-length videos and ongoing event highlights featuring speakers, red carpet premieres, and unforgettable performances.

But hold on tight, because there's more to come! Keep your eyes peeled for more 2023 recaps and stay updated on 2024 registration and participation opportunities, revealed later this summer. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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