The PI.lab conference 2018 focuses upon the relationship between humans and technology. The embeddedness of apps, smart phones and the internet of things in most if not all facets of daily life questions the autonomy of human beings.
The complex and hard to oversee data economy that has been created over the past decades makes control over personal data illusory, so it seems. Simultaneously, many persons profit from seamless interconnectivity and an abundant supply of services that are personalized and that have become indispensable both in working environments and in daily practices. And people may exercise more autonomy thanks to the help of personalized services. This dichotomy will be elucidated and discussed in this year's conference.
Freedom in the robot age
Rinie van Est, researcher at the Rathenau Instituut, will give a presentation on Freedom in the Robot Age: the struggle for our intimacy.
The things we do are more and more mediated or facilitated by digital systems and platforms. As a result digital systems increasingly determine what people experience, know, desire, and do. Accordingly, controlling the digital lifeworld has come to thecenter of modern day politics. Will digital technologies empower people and set them free or will they diminish our freedom to think, act and communicate?
Details
The conference takes place at In de Driehoek, Willemsplantsoen 1c, Utrecht Fee: €49,- (reduced fee of €25 for students and NGO employees).
