Technology & Democracy Study Hour

Hi, everyone! This is a study-on-your-own-then-get-food-together group for individuals interested in artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and democracy. The idea is to help folks carve out a few hours in their schedule each week to focus on issues related to emerging technologies and democracy and connect with others who have similar interests.

The "Technology & Democracy Study Hour" will start off at the Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201) each Sunday at 1:00 PM. Folks are invited to head to the library and work individually on reading, studying, or upskilling from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. I will arrive a few minutes early at the entrance facing the tennis courts. Please note that while we will be meeting at the library, this event is not sponsored by Arlington County Library.

At 3:00 PM, we will meet up outside the library and walk over to the Ballston Quarter food court (4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203) and find some tables downstairs to enjoy some food/drinks and conversation together about what we are studying or working on. Feel free to study and join the meetup at Ballston Quarter later, but I ask that folks who do join the meetup spend an hour or two studying beforehand so that we will have something fresh to talk about.

Here are some topics I am curious about and currently working to explore more:

• AI & Agriculture: How AI can be used to revolutionize food production and distribution as well as make it easier to eat healthy, delicious meals!
• AI & Distribution of Resources and Services: How AI can be used to distribute resources and services more efficiently and equitably via digital public infrastructure and autonomous systems.
• AI & Government: How AI can be used to put individuals at the heart of governance and create new forms of government that are less focused on geographical lines and traditional nation states.
• AI & Peace: How AI can be used to find non-violent resolutions to conflict.

Looking forward to connecting with others who are also interested in these same topics or other issues at the intersection of technology and democracy!