WSCC News is a presenation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press. 

LUDINGTON — Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world around us, but will these advancements ultimately extend human potential or diminish what makes us human?

West Shore Community College’s HumanKind series will explore that question during “Does AI Extend or Diminish Us?” featuring Michael Flierl on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in the West Shore Bank Room at the Mason County District Library’s Ludington branch.

Flierl is an associate professor and student learning librarian at The Ohio State University, where he was selected as the university’s first AI faculty fellow. In this role, he works to advance AI literacy and fluency across the university community, helping students and educators better understand and thoughtfully engage with emerging technologies.

During the presentation, Flierl will examine how human values can serve as a guide as AI technologies continue to evolve. He will explore the potential for AI to advance society while challenging attendees to consider how individuals and communities can help shape a future in which technology serves humanity.

As artificial intelligence continues to advance, its influence reaches far beyond technology, raising questions about the future of medicine, civic engagement, social justice and the role of human judgment.

The HumanKind series is WSCC’s arts and culture lecture series, offering a range of programming throughout the year, including presentations, workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions and performing arts events. This year’s theme is “Technology and Humanity.”

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information about the HumanKind series, visit westshore.edu or email humankind@westshore.edu.

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