Workshop Title:

Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Date:

November 29th, 2024 (GMT-4)

Organizer:

Northeastern University

Keywords:

• AI-Mediated Communication
• Human-AI Collaboration
• Conversational Dynamics
• Ethical Considerations
• Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Communication
• Mediated Communication

Workshop Chair:

Personal Bio:

Meet Dr. Heidi, the once-shy 5-year-old who transformed from struggling to say a single line in a play to captivating thousands from diverse stages. Her passion lies in sharing knowledge and witnessing the 'uh-huh' moments that ignite understanding. Early in her professional journey, she discovered the profound importance of mentorship in leadership, a lesson that would guide her throughout her career. With extensive experience in management, she became renowned for her exceptional ability to foster employee engagement and learning.

As a business psychologist, professor, and author, Dr. Heidi brings a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to her clients, students, and readers. Her services are designed to help individuals and organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals through a better understanding of the science of human behavior.

As a professor, Dr. Heidi teaches courses on topics such as organizational behavior, management, communication, and leadership, helping her students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.

Dr. Heidi boasts an impressive portfolio, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and other esteemed publications. She is also an award winning best-selling author and has graced the screens of FOX, NBC, CBS, and NBC. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Heidi is a dedicated mom, loving wife, cherished daughter, and supportive sister. In her spare time, she finds joy in the world of dog sports.

Workshop Description:

Background:

In the contemporary digital landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly redefined the dynamics of communication. As AI technologies, including chatbots and virtual assistants, become pervasive, they play a pivotal role in reshaping how individuals, organizations, and societies engage in dialogue. This evolution introduces a nuanced interplay between human and machine interaction.

The impact extends beyond mere convenience; it prompts fundamental questions about the ethical considerations surrounding AI-mediated communication. Exploring issues of bias, transparency, and responsible deployment becomes essential as AI takes on roles in generating content, curating information, and influencing media landscapes.

This research area delves into the collaborative aspects of human-AI partnerships in communication processes, examining how these collaborations influence content creation and the persuasive strategies employed. Additionally, understanding human perception of AI communication, including factors such as trust, credibility, and user acceptance, becomes integral in comprehending the broader implications of this technological shift. Through this exploration, scholars aim to provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between communication and AI, contributing to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape.

Goal / Rationale:

The problem at hand revolves around the ethical challenges posed by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communication. Specifically, concerns arise from algorithmic biases present in AI systems, the lack of transparency in decision-making processes, and the responsible deployment of AI in shaping narratives and disseminating information. As AI technologies, including chatbots and virtual assistants, become increasingly prevalent, there is a pressing need to address these ethical dimensions to ensure fair, transparent, and accountable communication practices. The potential biases within AI algorithms and the opacity surrounding how these systems operate raise critical questions about their societal impact, user trust, and the equitable dissemination of information.

Recent advances in addressing the ethical dimensions of AI-mediated communication have focused on enhancing transparency and accountability. Explainable AI (XAI) has emerged as a notable development, allowing users to comprehend the decision-making processes of algorithms. This transparency is crucial in addressing concerns related to biased AI systems. Efforts to mitigate biases include the development of more diverse and inclusive training datasets to ensure fairness in AI-generated communication. Additionally, the establishment of ethical guidelines and frameworks aims to guide the responsible deployment of AI. User perception studies play a pivotal role in understanding how individuals interact with AI-generated content, examining aspects such as trust and credibility.

Scope and Information for Participants:

This research endeavors to explore the intricate relationship between communication and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on ethical considerations. Contributors are invited to delve into key themes within this domain. Topics include investigating algorithmic biases and proposing strategies for their mitigation, assessing transparency in AI systems through advancements in Explainable AI (XAI), and examining frameworks for the responsible deployment of AI in communication. Additionally, exploring the dynamics of human-AI collaboration in content creation and information dissemination, studying user perception of AI-generated communication, and evaluating existing and proposed regulatory frameworks constitute integral components of the research. The scope also encompasses an examination of AI's role in shaping media landscapes, privacy and security implications, and the societal impact of these advancements. Through these themes, contributors are encouraged to provide comprehensive insights and recommendations, fostering a nuanced understanding of the ethical dimensions in the evolving landscape of AI-mediated communication.

Venue:

360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

Visa:

Welcome to U.S. Visas (state.gov)

In order to ensure the information is correct and up to date, there may be changes which we are not aware of. And different countries have different rules for the visa application. It is always a good idea to check the latest regulations in your country. This page just gives some general information of the visa application.

US Visa Information

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions/conferences; settling an estate; or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism; visits with friends or relatives; medical treatment; and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

Application Items

If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must pay your $160 application fee and submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• One (1) 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) photograph taken within the last six months.
• If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Supporting Documents

• Invitation letter from business or school.
• Detailed CV or resume including a list of publications.
• Complete itinerary, including all meetings, conferences, and visits; include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your hosts.
• For other materials, please refer to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

NOTICE:

Should your application be denied, the organizing committee cannot change the decision of visa officer, nor will ICIHCS engage in discussion or correspondence with the visa application center on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee CANNOT be refunded when the VISA application of individual being denied.