Connect with us

Technology

Is Society Afraid of AI? Dr. Michael Littman Joins Digital Disruption Podcast to Discuss Fear, Facts, and the Future

Published

2 years ago

on

The seventh episode of Info-Tech Research Group’s podcast, Digital Disruption, features computer scientist and educator Dr. Michael Littman in a conversation about AI literacy, public trust, and what it really means to live with intelligent machines.

TORONTO, April 7, 2025 /CNW/ – In Episode 7 of Digital Disruption, “This Is Why Everything You Know About AI Is Wrong,” National Science Foundation Division Director Dr. Michael Littman joins host Geoff Nielson to unpack the myths, realities, and social dimensions of artificial intelligence. In the episode, Dr. Littman, who has spent decades researching AI, robotics, and machine learning, challenges today’s leaders to not only innovate responsibly but to build a society that is better equipped to understand, question, and shape the future of intelligent systems.

Dr. Littman, a professor at Brown University and co-director of the Humanity-Centered Robotics Initiative, draws from his experience in academia and public service to explore how AI is often misunderstood, not just in terms of capabilities but in terms of its influence on human values, trust, and behavior. He shares why a greater public understanding of AI is essential to democratic engagement and long-term prosperity.

“Dr. Michael Littman brings a rare combination of technical depth and human insight to the AI conversation,” says Geoff Nielson, senior vice president of brand at Info-Tech Research Group and host of Digital Disruption. “Dr. Littman isn’t just asking what AI can do; he’s asking what it should do and how we ensure that those decisions reflect our shared values, foster trust, and serve the long-term interests of society.”

Digital Disruption, Episode 7: “This Is Why Everything You Know About AI Is Wrong”
In the seventh episode of Digital Disruption, Dr. Michael Littman joins host Geoff Nielson for a conversation about what it really means to live in a world shaped by AI. Topics explored include:

Why AI literacy is critical to building trust and navigating hypeThe social and ethical dimensions of intelligent systemsHow narratives shape public perception of AIWhat educators, policymakers, and technologists need to prioritize

The conversation with Dr. Littman explores how technical progress and public perception have become intertwined and why this relationship will shape both the future of technology and the future of policy, education, and trust. Dr. Littman discusses the role of narrative in shaping AI fears, the importance of transparency and critical thinking, and what it means to build an AI-literate society.

Dr. Littman has held leadership positions at the National Science Foundation and has received multiple awards for his contributions to research and teaching. His work spans AI planning, reinforcement learning, and human-robot interaction, and he is widely recognized for his efforts to make AI more accessible and better understood by the public.

Episode 7 of Digital Disruption with Dr. Michael Littman is now available on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. IT and business professionals are encouraged to subscribe for more insights and in-depth conversations with global industry experts shaping the future of technology, society, and the workplace.

To learn more, visit the Digital Disruption podcast page and follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

For more information about guest opportunities and participation in upcoming episodes, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/is-society-afraid-of-ai-dr-michael-littman-joins-digital-disruption-podcast-to-discuss-fear-facts-and-the-future-302422351.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

14 minutes ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

14 minutes ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

Published

1 hour ago

on

October 23, 2026

By

TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

Continue Reading

Trending