Linda Mannila's speech

Introduction

• We live in a time of rapid technological change, where AI and digitalization are transforming all aspects of life.
• The future is uncertain and unpredictable, but we can influence its direction through the choices we make today.
• Technology is developing faster than our societal structures, such as legislation, education systems, and policy.
• This creates a gap that needs to be addressed through education, research, and public dialogue.

 AI literacy

• AI literacy is more than technical know-how, building on several perspectives such as:
  
  • Technological: understanding how AI works, its possibilities and limitations.
  • Societal: recognizing ethical considerations, power dynamics, access, and potential inequalities.
  • Individual: understanding one’s own role, responsibilities, and agency.

 Ethics and responsibility

• Technology is neutral but becomes a reflection of our values when planned, designed, developed, deployed and used.
• AI ethics is essentially human ethics, we must be aware of who develops AI, for what purpose, and under what assumptions.

 The human paradox

• The more we automate, the more important human-to-human communication, empathy, and relationships become.
• Understanding the fundamentals of technology is crucial, but equally important is understanding ourselves.

Closing remarks

• Technology does not determine the future, people do.
• Today’s students and researchers will shape tomorrow’s world, not just through technological innovation, but through responsible, thoughtful action.
• This calls for broad knowledge and ethical grounding, to build a future where technology serves humanity.

Associate Professor in Computer Science
Linda Mannila
University of Helsinki