In the Sovetsky District, a multigenerational discussion on artificial intelligence took place

In the Soviet district of Novosibirsk, an intergenerational discussion took place dedicated to artificial intelligence and modern technologies. The project “Intergenerational Discussion” brought together schoolchildren, students, and representatives of the older generation to discuss how everyday life is changing under the influence of AI and why it is important to learn to understand each other.

The project is being implemented by students of the Economics Faculty of NGU together with the Department of Youth Affairs, Culture and Sports of the Administration of the Sovetsky District of the city of Novosibirsk. Its goal is to reduce the gap between youth and the older generation in terms of work, information, communication and the digital environment, as well as to create a space for open and respectful dialogue. The event became part ofdiscipline “Service Training”At the Economics Faculty (EF) of NGU. The project team included EF NGU students from the first and second years of study:Vladislav Alekovikov, Polina Alemchuk, Nikita Chudaikin, Matvey TrushnikovиAlexander Nikishin.Â

According to one of the project organizers, a first-year student in the “Management” program of the EF NGU, Matvey Trushnikov, the idea of the discussion arose from observing how different generations perceive modern technologies:

—Young people quickly get used to new digital tools, while representatives of the older generation may feel caution, distrust, or a sense of complexity towards artificial intelligence. We simply wanted not just to talk about AI, but to create a platform where different generations could calmly discuss this topic, ask questions, and see practical examples., — Matvey said.

During the meeting, participants discussed whether artificial intelligence can replace humans, how much it can be trusted, and where the boundary lies between assistance and dependence on technology. One of the most important topics was digital security: false information, fraud, and the forgery of images and voices.

—For the older generation, the topic of security has proven to be especially important, while for the youth, it is a question of how to use artificial intelligence as a tool without losing their own thinking., — noted the organizer.

Despite different views, the discussion took place in the format of a lively dialogue. Participants asked each other questions, shared personal experiences, and discussed their own attitudes towards technologies.

Student participant of the project “Dialogue of Generations” Aleksandr admitted that after the project he changed his opinion about the representative of the older generation:

—Earlier, I thought that they could not keep up with the times. Now I understand that it’s not quite like that, and some are truly ready for it., — he said.

In my opinion, Alexander, it is precisely personal communication that helps better understand each other:

—You won’t see or feel a person’s live emotions on the internet.

After the event, the organizers collected 26 feedback questionnaires. Most participants noted that the meeting was interesting, 24 people supported the idea of holding such discussions regularly, and 11 participants reported that they began to trust artificial intelligence more after participating in the project.

—ÂFor us, the project worked if after the meeting the participants had less fear and more understanding that AI is not a replacement for humans, but a tool that must be used consciously.— emphasized Matvey Trushnikov.