25.10.24
What Happens Next?
Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality? | 94

In the Season 9 premiere of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?”, host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests examine one of today’s most urgent topics: the impact of artificial intelligence on our perception of reality.

With AI technology evolving rapidly, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. From deepfakes that manipulate visual truth to AI companions offering mental health support, AI is reshaping how we interact with the world—and each other.

In this episode, experts explore the ethical, psychological and societal implications of these advancements. Professor Geoff Webb from Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology discusses how far AI capabilities have come in just a few years, while futurist Dr Ben Hamer warns of the dangers deepfakes pose to democracy and daily life. Dr Sue Keay, Chair of Robotics Australia, highlights the rise of humanoid robots and how they’re changing human-AI interaction, and Professor Joanna Batstone outlines the evolving relationship between humans and machines. Associate professors Ben Wellings and Stephanie Collins discuss the implications of emerging technology on politics and philosophy.

The episode also touches on the psychological impact of new technology, including the emerging phenomenon of “robotic nudging” and the value and drawbacks of AI companions. It’s an enlightening—and cautionary—preview of how these technologies could shape our future.

Listen now to hear how we can harness AI’s potential while navigating the ethical minefield it creates.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
Are Our Machines a Little Too Human?
Are Humans About to Evolve?
When can I get my new household robot?

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can We Create a Better Reality?’.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe and rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

25.10.24 What Happens Next? Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality? | 94
In the Season 9 premiere of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?”, host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests examine one of today’s most urgent topics: the impact of artificial intelligence on our perception of reality.
With AI technology evolving rapidly, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. From deepfakes that manipulate visual truth to AI companions offering mental health support, AI is reshaping how we interact with the world—and each other.
In this episode, experts explore the ethical, psychological and societal implications of these advancements. <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/geoff-webb?utm_campaign=RESCH_ITE&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Webb_profile_oct_australia">Professor Geoff Webb</a> from Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology discusses how far AI capabilities have come in just a few years, while futurist <a href="https://benhamer.space/">Dr Ben Hamer</a> warns of the dangers deepfakes pose to democracy and daily life. <a href="https://www.suekeay.com/">Dr Sue Keay</a>, Chair of Robotics Australia, highlights the rise of humanoid robots and how they’re changing human-AI interaction, and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/joanna-batstone?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Batstone_profile_oct_australia">Professor Joanna Batstone</a> outlines the evolving relationship between humans and machines. Associate professors <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/ben-wellings?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Wellings_profile_oct_australia">Ben Wellings</a> and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/stephanie-collins?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Collins_profile_oct_australia">Stephanie Collins</a> discuss the implications of emerging technology on politics and philosophy.
The episode also touches on the psychological impact of new technology, including the emerging phenomenon of “robotic nudging” and the value and drawbacks of AI companions. It’s an enlightening—and cautionary—preview of how these technologies could shape our future.
Listen now to hear how we can harness AI’s potential while navigating the ethical minefield it creates.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/10/25/1387122/reality?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E94_podcast_oct_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2021/09/03/1383749/whnpodcast-bias-in-ai-s5-part1?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S5E44_profile_oct_australia">Are Our Machines a Little Too Human?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/09/22/1386162/transhumanism?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E86_profile_oct_australia">Are Humans About to Evolve?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@technology/2022/09/26/1385029/when-can-i-get-my-new-household-robot?utm_campaign=MLENS_ITE&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=HouseholdRobot_profile_oct_australia">When can I get my new household robot?</a></li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can We Create a Better Reality?’.
If you’re enjoying the show, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">don’t forget to subscribe</a> and rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

The Handmaid’s Tale. Brave New World. Mad Max. Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course?

What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future? Learn from leaders, listen to the people making a difference, and discover how you can help drive change.

The Handmaid&rsquo;s Tale. Brave New World. Mad Max. Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course?
What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future? Learn from leaders, listen to the people making a difference, and discover how you can help drive change.

What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future?

What Happens Next?

Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course? On Monash University's podcast, academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland steps through the sliding doors with global experts and thought leaders to find out what could happen if we don’t change – and what the world could look like if we do. To learn more, visit lens.monash.edu.

Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course? On Monash University's podcast, academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland steps through the sliding doors with global experts and thought leaders to find out what could happen if we don’t change – and what the world could look like if we do. To learn more, visit <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next">lens.monash.edu.</a>

Learn how AI’s blurring the lines of reality and human interaction in the latest episode of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?” podcast with Dr Susan Carland.

Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality?

What if today is the day you change the world?

Monash University’s multi-award-winning “What Happens Next?” podcast returns soon for its ninth season.

Join your host, Dr Susan Carland, as she addresses a new set of topics that will define our future. This season, she explores the changing nature of reality in our digital age, the climate crisis facing the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender-based violence.

Join Susan and her expert guests –  including tech visionaries, climate scientists, and social justice advocates – as they examine the future we're hurtling towards if we don't change course, envision the future we could create if we take action and, most importantly, explore how we can work together to build the kind of future we all want.

Subscribe now so you don't miss this exciting new season! Already a subscriber? Help others find the show by giving “What Happens Next?” a five-star rating and review.

Can’t wait to find out what happens next? Explore our back catalogue.

A full transcript of this trailer is available on Monash Lens.

What if today is the day you change the world?
Monash University’s multi-award-winning “What Happens Next?” podcast returns soon for its ninth season.
Join your host, Dr Susan Carland, as she addresses a new set of topics that will define our future. This season, she explores the changing nature of reality in our digital age, the climate crisis facing the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender-based violence.
Join Susan and her expert guests –  including tech visionaries, climate scientists, and social justice advocates – as they examine the future we're hurtling towards if we don't change course, envision the future we could create if we take action and, most importantly, explore how we can work together to build the kind of future we all want.
Subscribe now so you don't miss this exciting new season! Already a subscriber? Help others find the show by giving “What Happens Next?” a five-star rating and review.
Can’t wait to find out what happens next? <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=WHN_website_aug_australia">Explore our back catalogue.</a>
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/10/18/1387079/season-9?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=whns9_podcast_oct_australia">A full transcript of this trailer is available on Monash Lens.</a>

Monash University's award-winning podcast, “What Happens Next?”, returns for an ninth season that explores pressing global issues including reality in the digital age, climate change in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender-based violence.

Your Daily Commute to a Better Tomorrow: Introducing Season 9 of “What Happens Next?”

10.11.23
What Happens Next?
Can We Learn to Be More Civil? | 93

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each episode.

With the advent of social media, conversations and disagreements are magnified. But as our exchanges become increasingly digital, we must remember that behind every screen, there’s a fellow human being.

In the last episode of Season 8, Dr Susan Carland’s expert guests highlight the importance of maintaining civility, and its role in preserving democratic principles and collective pursuit of the common good.

Dr Amanda Stephens emphasises the importance of being aware of our mindset before engaging with others.

Dr Steven Zech points out that building cooperation – whether it’s between governments or individuals – takes time, and it can be lost in a moment.

Professor Lucas Walsh calls attention to the need to educate young people about common challenges such as climate change that demand collective solutions.

Associate Professor Helen Forbes-Mewett recognises the significance of civility as a cornerstone of social cohesion, particularly in multicultural societies.

Scott Stephens, co-host of ABC Radio National’s The Minefield, emphasises the essential nature of face-to-face interactions for understanding the moral reality of another person.

Finally, academic and presenter Dr Waleed Aly identifies the ways we can remove contempt and engage in good faith with people whose views we oppose.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
Ripple effect: The social consequences of the ‘everyday’ hate crime
Hi, neighbour: The dynamics that shape Melbourne's inter-ethnic relationships
Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what's behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

Thank you for joining us for Season 8 of “What Happens Next?”. We’ll be back with all-new episodes in a few short months. Explore our back catalog or watch your favourite episodes.

Don’t forget to subscribe to be notified about our next season, and rate or review the show to help others discover it.

10.11.23 What Happens Next? Can We Learn to Be More Civil? | 93
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each episode.
<hr>
With the advent of social media, conversations and disagreements are magnified. But as our exchanges become increasingly digital, we must remember that behind every screen, there’s a fellow human being.
In the last episode of Season 8, Dr Susan Carland’s expert guests highlight the importance of maintaining civility, and its role in preserving democratic principles and collective pursuit of the common good.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/amanda-stephens?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Stephens_website_nov_australia">Dr Amanda Stephens</a> emphasises the importance of being aware of our mindset before engaging with others.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-zech?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Zech_website_nov_australia">Dr Steven Zech</a> points out that building cooperation – whether it’s between governments or individuals – takes time, and it can be lost in a moment.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/lucas-walsh?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Walsh_website_nov_australia">Professor Lucas Walsh</a> calls attention to the need to educate young people about common challenges such as climate change that demand collective solutions.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/helen-forbes-mewett?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Forbes-Mewett_website_nov_australia">Associate Professor Helen Forbes-Mewett</a> recognises the significance of civility as a cornerstone of social cohesion, particularly in multicultural societies.
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/scott-stephens/33390">Scott Stephens</a>, co-host of ABC Radio National’s The Minefield, emphasises the essential nature of face-to-face interactions for understanding the moral reality of another person.
Finally, academic and presenter <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/waleed-aly-1/7690840">Dr Waleed Aly</a> identifies the ways we can remove contempt and engage in good faith with people whose views we oppose.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/11/03/1386282/can-we-learn-to-be-civil?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E93_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2021/06/10/1383332/ripple-effect-the-social-consequences-of-the-everyday-hate-crime?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=HateCrime_article_nov_australia">Ripple effect: The social consequences of the ‘everyday’ hate crime</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2020/04/07/1379809/the-dynamics-that-shape-melbournes-inter-ethnic-relationships?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Neighbourhoods_article_nov_australia">Hi, neighbour: The dynamics that shape Melbourne's inter-ethnic relationships</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2023/01/04/1385372/why-do-people-tailgate-a-psychologist-explains-whats-behind-this-common-and-annoying-driving-habit?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Tailgating_article_nov_australia">Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what's behind this common (and annoying) driving habit</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you for joining us for Season 8 of “What Happens Next?”. We’ll be back with all-new episodes in a few short months. <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=WHN_website_nov_australia">Explore our back catalog</a> or <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">watch your favourite episodes</a>.
<a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">Don’t forget to subscribe</a> to be notified about our next season, and rate or review the show to help others discover it.

Monash University’s podcast, “What Happens Next?”, explores the importance of civility in a digital age, reminding us to recognise the humanity behind screens.

Can We Learn to be More Civil?

3.11.23
What Happens Next?
Are We Getting More Rude? | 92

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each full episode.

Lockdown helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but it didn’t do our social skills any favours. Have we forgotten how to get along?

Civility goes beyond simple politeness  – it’s a crucial virtue that binds people together. It’s also essential for maintaining democracy.

This week, host Dr Susan Carland is joined by world-leading journalists, commentators and academics for an investigation of civility.

Are we getting more rude? Monash University’s Dr Steven Zech talks about the concerning trend of increasing incivility among certain groups, especially politicians.

Dr Amanda Stephens, of Monash’s Accident Research Centre, discusses road rage and the “de-identifying bubbles” of our cars.

As our society becomes more individualised, finding shared values and a mutual understanding of the common good becomes a critical challenge. Without them, says education expert Professor Lucas Walsh, a breakdown of civility in public discourse is inevitable.

Engaging civilly means inviting responses and acknowledging humanity. Dr Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens, co-hosts of The Minefield, consider the issue of contempt, highlighting how it can erode the foundation of a democratic society.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
Anger and aggressive driving all the rage on our roads
The Oscars slap raises important moral question about civility and incivility
Scanlon report: Taking Australia's temperature on migration attitudes

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series and our final episode of the season: ‘Can We Learn to Be More Civil?’.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

3.11.23 What Happens Next? Are We Getting More Rude? | 92
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each full episode.
<hr>
Lockdown helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but it didn’t do our social skills any favours. Have we forgotten how to get along?
Civility goes beyond simple politeness  – it’s a crucial virtue that binds people together. It’s also essential for maintaining democracy.
This week, host Dr Susan Carland is joined by world-leading journalists, commentators and academics for an investigation of civility.
Are we getting more rude? Monash University’s <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-zech?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Zech_website_nov_australia">Dr Steven Zech</a> talks about the concerning trend of increasing incivility among certain groups, especially politicians.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/amanda-stephens?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Stephens_website_nov_australia">Dr Amanda Stephens</a>, of Monash’s Accident Research Centre, discusses road rage and the “de-identifying bubbles” of our cars.
As our society becomes more individualised, finding shared values and a mutual understanding of the common good becomes a critical challenge. Without them, says education expert <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/lucas-walsh?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Walsh_website_nov_australia">Professor Lucas Walsh</a>, a breakdown of civility in public discourse is inevitable.
Engaging civilly means inviting responses and acknowledging humanity. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/waleed-aly-1/7690840">Dr Waleed Aly</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/scott-stephens/33390">Scott Stephens</a>, co-hosts of The Minefield, consider the issue of contempt, highlighting how it can erode the foundation of a democratic society.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/10/27/1386267/are-we-getting-more-rude?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E92_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2022/11/21/1385266/anger-and-aggressive-driving-all-the-rage-on-our-roads?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=RoadRage_article_nov_australia">Anger and aggressive driving all the rage on our roads</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2022/03/30/1384570/the-oscars-slap-raises-important-moral-question-about-civility-and-incivility?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=OscarsSlap_article_nov_australia">The Oscars slap raises important moral question about civility and incivility</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2019/11/26/1378459/scanlon-report-taking-australias-temperature-on-migration-attitudes?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=ScanlonReport_article_nov_australia">Scanlon report: Taking Australia's temperature on migration attitudes</a></li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series and our final episode of the season: ‘Can We Learn to Be More Civil?’.
If you’re enjoying the show, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">don’t forget to subscribe</a>, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

On Monash University’s podcast, “What Happens Next?”, experts discuss the importance of civility in a democratic society marked by dehumanisation and the erosion of shared values.

Will AI Cut Us Off from Reality?

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