Emotions and Mental Health in an Age of Apps and AI The feeling computer or machine is central to science fiction. Across books, TV, and film, the human imagination has treated emotions in computers and machines with both awe and apprehension. In the current moment, apps to treat improve mental health and wellbeing, and interactions with generative AI like ChatGPT can, sometimes, almost feel like non-thinking software is already expressing genuine empathy and concern. How do we feel about that? How should we feel? And what, if anything, should we do about it?This workshop will explore these questions, and the social and cultural implications of mental health apps and the use of AI. Chaired by Martyn Pickersgill (University of Edinburgh), humanities scholar Jacinthe Flore (University of Melbourne) will share some of her research on apps, AI, and mental health in an Age of Apps and AIAfterwards, creative facilitator Angie Spoto will convene a writing activity that integrates the reflections presented by Flore into creative practice. Participants will be supported to write their own mini-stories about emotions and mental health in an age of apps and AI.Spoto and Flore, with Pickersgill, will then reflect with the participants on their stories, and consider how those explorations mirror and perhaps even challenge conventional assumptions about the significance of apps and AI for mental health and wellbeing.This will be a small event for up to 20 attendees, enabling deeper engagement between the speakers and the participants. Refreshments will be provided.Supported by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Melbourne Book free tickets on eventbrite Feb 04 2025 10.00 - 12.00 Emotions and Mental Health in an Age of Apps and AI Do machines feel? And how do they make *you* feel? Join our discussion and creative writing event, with Jacinthe Flore and Angie Spoto, chaired by Martyn Pickersgill. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SR Scottish Storytelling Centre on OpenStreetMap
Emotions and Mental Health in an Age of Apps and AI The feeling computer or machine is central to science fiction. Across books, TV, and film, the human imagination has treated emotions in computers and machines with both awe and apprehension. In the current moment, apps to treat improve mental health and wellbeing, and interactions with generative AI like ChatGPT can, sometimes, almost feel like non-thinking software is already expressing genuine empathy and concern. How do we feel about that? How should we feel? And what, if anything, should we do about it?This workshop will explore these questions, and the social and cultural implications of mental health apps and the use of AI. Chaired by Martyn Pickersgill (University of Edinburgh), humanities scholar Jacinthe Flore (University of Melbourne) will share some of her research on apps, AI, and mental health in an Age of Apps and AIAfterwards, creative facilitator Angie Spoto will convene a writing activity that integrates the reflections presented by Flore into creative practice. Participants will be supported to write their own mini-stories about emotions and mental health in an age of apps and AI.Spoto and Flore, with Pickersgill, will then reflect with the participants on their stories, and consider how those explorations mirror and perhaps even challenge conventional assumptions about the significance of apps and AI for mental health and wellbeing.This will be a small event for up to 20 attendees, enabling deeper engagement between the speakers and the participants. Refreshments will be provided.Supported by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Melbourne Book free tickets on eventbrite Feb 04 2025 10.00 - 12.00 Emotions and Mental Health in an Age of Apps and AI Do machines feel? And how do they make *you* feel? Join our discussion and creative writing event, with Jacinthe Flore and Angie Spoto, chaired by Martyn Pickersgill. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SR Scottish Storytelling Centre on OpenStreetMap
Feb 04 2025 10.00 - 12.00 Emotions and Mental Health in an Age of Apps and AI Do machines feel? And how do they make *you* feel? Join our discussion and creative writing event, with Jacinthe Flore and Angie Spoto, chaired by Martyn Pickersgill.
