Documentaries like ‘The Social Dilemma’ (Netflix, 2020) raise an important question: can machine-mediated interaction lead to manipulation? The risk is there, but the mix of social psychology and artificial intelligence can also result in meaningful benefits for individuals and communities. Inclusivity, transparency and explainability are key to mitigating the risks while maximising the positive effects.

How can researchers and practitioners follow this path? Psychologists, AI researchers, and engineers from both the academy and the industry discuss the topic, starting from concrete cases of applied research in the fields of nutrition, medicine, and financial services.

Delivered at Milan Digital Week, 17-21 March 2021, Milan, Italy