The "Cultural Imaginaries" node studies how cultural imaginaries—sets of shared beliefs, emotions, narratives, and values that inform perspectives on the present and expectations for the future—both shape and are shaped by AI technologies. Some of our research projects investigate the current state of AI imaginaries today: the webs of philosophical claims, hype, fears, and sci-fi speculations that cross the AI industry and the public consciousness alike. Other projects experiment with alternative futures for AI by using methods of speculative prototyping and participatory design. While prevailing AI imaginaries often put the future in the hands of elite entrepreneurs, we are interested to examine conditions for alternative futures based instead on user agency, justice, and community values. This CAIEF node is creating a series of video games featuring experimental AI models that invite players to engage with and critically evaluate the implications of different AI futures. We also host design workshops premised on empowering a broader range of stakeholders.
Node Coordinator: Finn Brunton