Fundamentals Lectures (1, 2, 3) (7-8 July) by João Pinheiro Neto (University of Graz)
These general lectures will provide an interdisciplinary introduction to key themes in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. They will explore the broader implications of AI in various fields, including technological advancements, ethical considerations, and societal impact. These three sessions will set the stage for the in-depth seminars by offering a foundational understanding of the challenges and opportunities in AI-driven innovation.
About the lecturer:
João Pinheiro Neto is a physicist with experience in computational social science. He focuses on comparing different social media platforms, trying to understand what makes them tick. He believes that data-driven toy models can help design social media platforms that are better and more resilient to manipulation by bad actors. He also believes that timely research can influence decision-making and ultimately pressure platforms into design decisions that do more than blindly chase engagement metrics.
His approach involves large-scale data collection, as well as analysis and modelling using techniques from physics, statistics, and machine learning. In particular, he currently focuses on large language models as both objects of research (their impact on social media) and as tools for simulating and analyzing social media content.