Before AI Decides, Think: Payson Stevens to Shoolini Students

Solan: October 15
Students should question artificial intelligence rather than let it decide for them. This was the message from American author and science communicator Payson R. Stevens at an online session with Shoolini University. Nearly 130 students and faculty members joined the webinar. The event was coordinated by Dr Pankaj Vaidya, Head of the Yogananda School of AI, Computers and Data Science.
Mr Stevens is a Fellow of the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination at the University of California. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of science communication in earth systems science and climate in the United States. His recent book, “Before AI Decides”, makes a simple but urgent case: people must stay in charge of their own lives by staying human, and not let AI do their thinking for them.
Joining virtually in conversation with Prof C.J. Singh from the School of Media and Communications at Shoolini University, Mr Stevens discussed the many challenges AI poses today. He encouraged students to keep asking critical questions and to think about the people who would use their innovations. Used wisely, he said, AI could make work faster and more productive, but humans should keep decision-making.
He called on professionals from different fields, academics and young people to work together on projects that tackle real human problems. He said the goal was to harness AI through critical thinking without becoming dependent on it.
Speaking about India, Mr Stevens noted that its large population faces many challenges, particularly among the economically disadvantaged. He said the younger generation, working alongside experienced professionals, was best placed to find lasting solutions.

Samagra Sikhsha