AI in Society | Tampere universities

We are amidst a notable era of technological transformation. Projects within the AI in Society research stream of the Emerging Technologies Lab conduct multidisciplinary research to explore the fundamental impact and transformation brought by artificial intelligence (AI) on society and the daily lives of people. This is evident by the significant advancements in AI, the widespread integration of computing into the every-day-life, and the emergence of extended realities that are laying the groundwork for the metaverse. AI in Society -projects involve experts from the fields of social psychology, work life research, information technology and communication sciences, and health sciences. The projects are dedicated to conducting comprehensive research spanning cross-national, longitudinal, and experimental studies. The focus areas encompass investigating how AI reshapes people's communication patterns and styles, its influence on peoples’ social relationships and interpersonal dynamics, and the transformation of work life. Further research areas include examining the potential shift in societal attitudes, self-beliefs, and readiness to use AI that stems from increased AI integration. This includes exploring changes in perceptions, trust in technology, and ethical considerations when it comes to AI-driven advancements.

Background

The recent years have witnessed a revolutionary shift in technological and digital landscapes. AI technologies especially have reached new levels of sophistication and drive a profound paradigm shift in our society by modifying societal norms, economic structures, and individual experiences. The ever-growing complexity of AI applications requires innovative and up-to-date research into how these advancements shape not only our daily interactions but also influence broader societal concepts, including thoughts, values, and norms. Continued research endeavors are essential to understand, anticipate, and explain the far-reaching effects of AI on diverse aspects of society such as employment, healthcare practices, education systems, and beyond.

Goal

The goal of the AI in Society research stream is to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted impacts of AI on different levels of society. We use large-scale datasets and employ longitudinal and experimental designs. Our evidence-based information can guide stakeholders (policymakers, industry leaders, individuals) in making informed decisions regarding AI. Through increasing knowledge, we can also identify, anticipate, and prepare for the potential societal, economic, and ethical challenges that may arise from further integration of AI.

Projects (2018–2026)

AI Disruption at work (2024–2026)

Self & Technology EU-6 (https://projects.tuni.fi/selftechnology/, 2022–2025)

Urban utopias and dystopias: artificial intelligence in art and society (UrbanAI, https://projects.tuni.fi/urbanai/, 2021–2024)

Implementation of contextual complexity in AI-based assessment systems of older people's social isolation (AIsola) (https://projects.tuni.fi/aisola/, 2021–2022)

Intelligent social technologies enhancing community interaction and sustainable use of shared living spaces in superblocks (SocialBlock) (https://projects.tuni.fi/socialblock/, 2020–2021)

Robots in Society (https://research.tuni.fi/robots-in-society/, 2018–2021)

Ambient Assisted Living: The Independence and Isolation Balance (SOCIETAL, 2019–2020)

Augmented Reality and Social Interaction (https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/augmented-reality-and-social-interaction, 2018–2019)

Impact

Our studies have been published in top-tier journals and they have gained major scientific impact over the last years. The studies are based on unique large-scale datasets of the Emerging Technologies Lab and they provide important evidence-based information for policy makers.