The Empathic Machine: Can AI Care?

This event explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, empathy, and AI, through the lens of mental health chatbots, virtual companions, and emerging care technologies. Clinicians, sociologists and innovators will provide insights on what it truly means for machines to 'care' and what complexities should be considered in this care.

Can an algorithm truly feel or understand? Can AI be my friend? What about the ethics? We'll dissect the authenticity of emotional responses generated by AI, critically discuss the rise of virtual companionship, and unpack the profound ethical and philosophical dimensions of digital empathy; addressing issues of privacy, consent, and the responsibility of the caregiver machine. Finally, we'll address the implications for the future of human connection, healthcare, psychiatry, and psychology.

By drawing on diverse expertise, the session aims to not only explore the complexities of AI care but also challenge current assumptions and inspire innovative thought about the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines. With short presentations from our experts, a panel discussion, and audience Q&A. It concludes with a networking reception.

Speakers:

• John Powell (Professor of Digital Health Care, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford and Senior Research Fellow in Digital Health, Jesus College)
• Andrew Przybylski (Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford)
• Maxwell Klapow (DPhil Candidate, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford)
• Pablo Garfias Torrent (DPhil Candidate, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford)
• Narankar Sehmi (OxAI and Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford and Chief of Staff at Oxbridge AIx)