Are the robots going to kill us?

In this week’s episode, host Jennifer Cearns is joined by Dr Beth Singler (University of Cambridge), Dr Laura Musgrave (Ronin Institute), and Dr Alexander Taylor (University of Cambridge & University of Winchester) to discuss the relationship between the human and the digital.

How do we incorporate smart technologies and artificial intelligence into our lives, and what are the impacts of this upon us as individuals, and upon society at large? Are robots replacing us as human beings? And if so, should we be worried about it? In this episode we set out to unpack some of these questions, and to examine what being human might look like in a 'post-human' world. 

Today’s guests have all focused their research on questions around the digital, and how we as humans interact with the digital, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, and ‘smart’ technologies.

Dr Beth Singler is the Junior Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence at Homerton College, University of Cambridge. Beth’s work uses traditional and digital ethnographic methods to explore public discourse and reactions to Artificial Intelligence as well as the development of AI and future focused communities, such as Transhumanist groups. You can read more about her work over on her website: bvlsingler.com or by following her on Twitter @BVLSingler

Dr Laura Musgrave is a Senior Researcher in the technology industry, and a Research Scholar in Digital Anthropology and User Experience at the Ronin Institute. Laura’s recently been looking at how people use their AI smart speakers at home in the UK, particularly the exchange of privacy and convenience. You can find out more about her work on her website at lauramusgrave.co.uk, or by following her on Twitter @lmusgrave

Dr Alexander Taylor is a social anthropologist based at the University of Cambridge and the University of Winchester. His research explores the physical infrastructures that underpin our digital world and asks the question: as everything goes digital are we putting all of our eggs into one fragile basket? You can find out more about Alex’s work on his website digitalruins.net/ or on Twitter @alexretaylor

To subscribe to the Being Human Show, search for ‘Being Human’ in your preferred podcast player, or find us over on our RSS feed . This podcast is produced by Jennifer Cearns and Laura Haapio-Kirk, and edited by Antónia Gama, in partnership with the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. All rights reserved.