Olivia van der Kroon’s Post

AI and the digital divide - a hot and controversial topic at the moment! AI is a technology that divides the tech community, I heard many sides of this at the two events I attended last night. The possibilities are endless, and the technology feels like it is moving at a pace where even those in the industry can feel overwhelmed and struggle to stay ahead of 'what's next' - it can be intimidating, and I don't think anyone in the industry is naive to that fact. And, whilst these technologies present endless opportunities, they also risk exacerbating inequalities. According to the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 1 in 4 Australians are digitally excluded, missing out on vital skills, and the basic access and understanding of current technology. Digital inclusion focuses on providing access to all aspects of the digital landscape, ensuring that nobody is left behind. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to actively support those around us, including our colleagues, family, friends, neighbours, and community to educate people as best we can to use technology. Doing our part to close the digital divide and ensure everyone can participate and benefit from the digital world. I am not negating the fact that there are huge risks and challenges ahead. However, with the rise of AI, the urgency for equitable digital inclusion intensifies, and we all need to ensure we are playing our part to support, educate, and safeguard vulnerable people as our world opens up to endless possibilities at a rapid rate. I feel AI in the disability sector, and within all minority group communities, will do some really amazing and exciting things - life-changing for so many people. I heard and saw this at the AI & Assistive Technologies event, hosted by WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) last night. Whether you are 'for' or 'against' at some point we all need to come together and agree that the train has left the station, and we can't bury our heads in the sand. We all need to understand the good that comes from change, and technology if used diligently and thoughtfully. If you are completely 'against', you are entitled to that opinion, but I encourage you to educate yourself on some of the positives that can come of this and look outside the bubble of doom and gloom. Those who have it can't use privilege (in whatever form) to dismiss these advancements, because if we all plead ignorance then those who don't have that luxury are affected most and also miss out. Let's all continue the conversation and action towards digital equality for everyone. Check out my thoughts at last night's AI & Assistive Technologies event below. #DigitalInclusion #ADII2023 #TechEquity #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AssistiveTechnology #Safeguarding #EmpowerPeople #bridgethedigitaldivide