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3 . Journalism won’t make the same mistake twice kinds of AI, such as classificatory. Sure, most people know how effective AI can be in classifying imagery or faces. Fewer people understand how effective it can be In the early 2000s, as search engines began to index the internet, they came into conflict with content creators, in classifying dangerous language of the kind regulators now have in their crosshairs. most notably news publishers, over the legality of this, and whether it constituted fair use at law. And as the public’s eyeballs shifted from news publishers to search engines as a result, so did the advertising. The legalities and the revenue collapse that followed has 5 . Yes, you *do* need to upskill! Generative AI hype is peaking, but the technology and artificial intelligence more generally is here to stay. never really been fully resolved, with In order to understand its likely battles to make technology companies effect on employment prospects, pay for this material (the ‘snippet tax’) look to the field of radiology. For still ongoing. AI outperforms years it has been the go-to example Now, as demonstrated by The New York Times ’ decision to sue OpenAI humans in narrow of a sector where AI will replace entire roles, and yet the numbers of and Microsoft, generative AI threatens ways like visual radiologists and employment have to destroy what commercial viability remains of the ad-traffic model, diagnosis, it doesn’t remained remarkably stable over the past decade. Why? Although AI because it runs the risk of complete hold a candle in others outperforms humans in narrow ways disintermediation of news delivery. As like visual diagnosis, it doesn’t hold a The Economist put it recently, ‘for years the complaints of candle in others. As one of the authors publishers against platforms have rung somewhat hollow. of a study published in the oncology journal, The Lancet , Now they have a real story on their hands.’ News publishers noted in August 2023, ‘the greatest potential of AI right are unlikely to back down. now is that it could allow radiologists to be less burdened by the excessive amount of reading.’ 4 . Generative AI hype is peaking. there are many kinds of AI out there This difference, between an employee using AI to do their job, to manage workload more effectively, and the productivity gains that result, and Much of the world has been entranced by the capabilities an employee who does not, will be the of generative AI over the last year, but in 2024 there will be difference between employment and a realisation of the importance and capabilities of other unemployment.
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Innovating inclusion Step into a new era of digital literacy tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) through the innovative lens of Dr Esther Murphy’s DigiAcademy DigiAcademy is a Trinity start-up spinning out in 2024 just a solution but a revolution in accessible digital with a vision to transform the landscape for individuals education. This platform, honoured by the European with intellectual disabilities. Through an innovative Commission as a best practice model, redefines how training platform customised for people with ID, alongside their families, the ID community, DigiAcademy caregivers, and support organisations, not only cultivates digital skills but interact with technology. Provost Linda also empowers learners to become educators, igniting a community- AI could offer Doyle recently bestowed the Societal Impact Award for Innovation upon Dr driven approach to learning. In addition through strategic partnerships with diverse organisations, DigiAcademy cognitive support, breaking barriers to Murphy. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the profound impact of Dr Murphy’s work on Trinity, as well will pioneer inclusive work experience opportunities, fostering a supportive societal inclusion as its far-reaching influence on society and industry. environment where individuals with ID can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the workforce. This ground-breaking initiative aims to revolutionise perceptions and practices, empowering individuals with ID to unlock their potential, gain valuable skills, and integrate into various industries, thus fostering a more inclusive society. DigiAcademy’s ethos, ‘if you can see it, you can be it’, reflects its core innovation. It’s a digital skills training platform, uniquely co-designed and led by people with ID themselves. From the outset, paid citizen advisory panels were established to review, refine and validate platform design and content, many of whom have now been trained as digital skills tutors to support In today’s digital age, the significance of digital literacy as peer learning. This inclusive approach not only promotes a cornerstone for quality of life is increasingly recognised self-directed learning but significantly reduces the need for by Disability Services and Training Centres globally. In intensive one-on-one support. By focusing on mainstream Ireland, for instance, a substantial budget is allocated technologies and online safety, DigiAcademy empowers annually for one-on-one tuition aimed at enhancing its users, offering them autonomy and confidence in digital skills among people with intellectual disabilities. navigating the digital world. However, despite this investment, traditional methods have struggled with scalability, often failing to achieve the desired impact. Dr Murphy’s vision extends beyond current technologies. As the general population steps into an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), DigiAcademy is poised to ensure Dr Esther Murphy, Principal Investigator at the School of that the ID community isn’t left behind. The platform aims Engineering and Academic Collaborator at the SFI ADAPT to adopt AI in a manner that resonates with its users, Centre at Trinity, has been at the forefront of addressing focusing on two key areas: these challenges. Her innovation, DigiAcademy, is not
