Agenda

​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion

Event Summary

Join us for a fascinating online discussion of "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI," the latest book from bestselling author Yuval Noah Harari. In this thought-provoking work, Harari takes us on a journey through human history, examining how the flow of information has shaped civilizations—from ancient religious texts to the rise of populism and AI.

Harari argues that while information networks have allowed humanity to achieve remarkable feats, they’ve also spread mass delusions that drive self-destructive behavior. As we face an unprecedented information revolution, Harari challenges us to reflect on the critical choices ahead. Will AI form new networks that obscure the truth and prevent us from shaping a better future, or can we make informed decisions to avoid the worst outcomes?

This discussion will explore the intersection of information, power, and truth throughout history and the implications for our technological future. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in this timely conversation about the role of information in human society, and how AI can be a powerful positive tool for information networks' accuracy and quality.

Key Topics:

• The history of information networks and their influence on human progress

• The role of myths, delusions, and propaganda in shaping societies

• AI’s potential to reshape the flow of information and truth in the 21st century

Attendance Instructions

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Moderator

Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, ​Austin Forum on Technology & Society and CEO, Vizias

Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he started in 2006 and is now the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin--and starting to attract national and even international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall. Through Vizias, Jay also founded the Austin Smart City Alliance (July 2015, formerly Austin CityUP Consortium) and currently serves as the Executive Director, with a vision of creating an integrated smart city fabric throughout Austin—leveraging mobile devices and IoT data collectors, as well as supercomputers and AI for predictive analytics and scenario simulation—in the years ahead to address city issues, empower city planning, and improve city life in general.