Stony Brook launches AI society unit

Stony Brook University is establishing a new academic unit dedicated to studying the social impact of artificial intelligence. The Department of Technology, AI and Society will receive a $5 million investment from New York State to support its research and teaching programs. The department focuses on how AI reshapes industries, creative expression, and human relationships rather than just building the technology itself.

Yvette Wohn, the department's inaugural chair, presented the unit's mission at the Charles B. Wang Center on October 16. Her talk was part of the Homecoming Thought Leadership Series. Wohn described a fundamental shift in how people interact with technology. She stated that AI is moving beyond being a simple tool or system to becoming a collaborator in various aspects of life.

Wohn holds a master's degree in journalism from Harvard University and a PhD in Media and Information Studies from Michigan State University. Her background combines expertise in technology, digital media, journalism, and communication. This interdisciplinary approach informs the department's strategy for examining AI's effects across different sectors.

During her presentation, Wohn discussed how AI integrates into healthcare, entertainment, and the arts. In medical settings, AI systems analyze images to identify potential diagnoses. This automation allows professionals to spend more time on patient consultations and communication. Wohn noted that this process frees up human time for other tasks, illustrating how AI can support workers rather than simply replace them.

The talk also addressed challenges in creative industries, specifically regarding intellectual property and consent. AI systems generate new material using existing data, which raises questions about whether creators authorized the use of their work. Wohn referenced a 2022 art competition at the Colorado State Fair where an AI-generated piece won a prize. The winner's argument compared the process to an architect directing construction workers. However, many artists did not consent to having their work used to train the datasets behind these systems.

Cultural institutions such as the Whitney Museum and MoMA have since featured artwork that incorporates AI. This suggests the technology is being seriously considered in the creative sector. Wohn also highlighted emerging platforms like Moltbook, described as a social network for AI. The platform includes a feature requiring users to prove they are not human, a concept that drew laughter from the audience.

Wohn explored how AI changes personal interactions and raises privacy concerns. She cited examples of AI-generated music using the voices of deceased performers, such as Michael Jackson. She noted that while these tracks appear on YouTube, the original performers did not explicitly consent to their posthumous use. She argued that AI does not discriminate between the living and the dead, creating complex questions about who can consent and who profits from these digital representations.

The department aims to address these issues by connecting technology with humanities, social sciences, and policy. Wohn emphasized that universities can examine long-term consequences without the immediate pressure to meet shareholder needs. She compared the lack of regulation for AI to the approval process for new drugs. She urged the audience to engage with policymakers to determine how AI should be regulated and used.