Memory x AI: Datasets, Archives, and Knowledge [London]

Memory x AI: Decolonising Data, Archives, and Knowledge

Following our Cycle Two kick-off (Intro to AI: How Machines Think), we are back with another critical AI literacy session to unpack what machines think and why that it is. As the computer science adage goes, GIGO - Garbage in, Garbage Out : a fundamental principle asserting that the quality of output is strictly determined by the quality of the input. While unreputable sources and stolen work is at the forefront of our contention with commercial large language models, there's also the question of what is included and why (so by extension who is included and why?). We at Future Inventions are less interested in pushing for representation in technological systems that contribute to the harm of both people and the planet, and more invested in having a conversation around what this can tell us about what information we share with tech corporations, how knowledge is produced, who decides what enters the public domain, and the parallels between these processes and historical colonial logics to create a form of digital, or more specifically data colonialism.

As always, we are approaching this topic with optimism and imagination. Ultimately, do we need large language models? How can AI execute smaller functions, serve a community purpose, or act as a container for niche purposes? What data practices can we create that feel more aligned with our values? Alongside critique and skepticism, this month's programming is guided by the possibilities that Small AI has to offer for a more sustainable and contextual way of engaging with this emerging technologies. We are excited to get deeper into this with you, if you'll join us.

Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can between £5-12 with a few free tickets reserved for those who are currently unwaged or cannot afford to attend otherwise. We do not want this to cause a financial barrier to anyone please email us if you need a free ticket at [email protected].

How is this going to go?

We will start with a in-depth lecture covering data colonialism, the politics of memory and digital archiving practices, the concept of small AI and case studies to illustrate AI's role in knowledge production. We will then move into groups for collaboration where we will create a shared dataset, query it using a small AI model, and outline some collective data principles. No familiarity or experience with AI or human-computer interaction is needed!

Please reach out to us via email or DM @futureinventions.lab on instagram with any questions.

There will be soft drinks and pizza but please feel free to bring your own dinner.

Refunds: This is a small team and so we cannot accommodate refunds but if plans change, let us know as soon as you can and we can add your ticket to the waitlist or share it online to try and pass it on to someone else

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Newspeak House, 133 Bethnal Green Road, London, United Kingdom

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