Artificial Intelligence - Risks and Opportunities

On November 13, 2024, the GenerazionePiù (OCST) association organized the conference titled “Artificial Intelligence – AI: Risks and Opportunities” at its headquarters in Lugano. Speakers Simona Previtali (digital trainer for the association), Petra Mazzoni (PhD candidate in intergenerational communication at the Institute of Media and Journalism (IMeG), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)), and Luca Mauriello (IT industry expert) addressed the topic of Artificial Intelligence and the Over-65 generations.

During the event, various tools dedicated to communication, learning, and daily life support were presented. Through ongoing dialogue with the participants, the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence were illustrated, including the potential of Generative AI to support the creation of tailored content. At the same time, risks were highlighted, such as the ease of generating and spreading fake news (false information) and challenges related to data privacy protection. The conference emphasized the importance of adopting technology responsibly, encouraging critical reflection on its use in daily life.

At the conference, Petra Mazzoni also presented her doctoral research on the daily use of digital and traditional media (e.g., phone, radio, social networks) by people over 65, both in individual contexts and in interactions with others (e.g., friends, children, spouse).At the end of the conference, the “Questionnaire on Daily Media Use and Intergenerational Networks of Over-65s” was distributed, which includes a specific section dedicated to Artificial Intelligence.