Automated Societies

Conversational agents based on Large Language Models are increasingly stepping into roles that look and feel like partnership, friendship or even love. 

These systems can comfort people, reduce loneliness and offer a sense of connection. But they also raise difficult questions about authenticity, dependency, power and care. 

In this episode, Rayane El Masr, PhD student of the ADM+S,  speaks to Prof Robert Sparrow (Monash University) about the ethical and philosophical implications of AI companionship.

Professor Sparrow is a Professor in the Philosophy Program, Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science at Monash University, and Associate Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society’s Monash University node.

This episode is part of the ADM+S Careful Minds series created by ADM+S PhD Student Rayane El Masri.

In this episode of Automated Societies, we introduce a new ADM+S podcast series: Careful Minds: AI, Ethics and Society, hosted by Rayane El Masri. 

Rayane, an ADM+S PhD student and recipient of the 2025 Marc Sanders Foundation Philosophy in Media Podcasting Fellowship, brings a fresh perspective to discussions on AI, ethics, and society. Her research explores how care ethics, drawing on Joan Tronto’s Political Care Theory, can help address the value alignment problem in generative AI, a pressing challenge in today’s AI technologies.

This series will explore whose values shape AI, how automated systems influence society, and what ethical responsibility looks like in a rapidly evolving technological world. Upcoming episodes feature conversations with researchers, technologists, and policy thinkers, examining themes including care, justice, feminism, decolonisation, and Global South perspectives.

Rayane shares her journey into AI ethics, insights from her fellowship and podcasting training with figures like Robert Krulwich, Mia Lobel, and Barry Lam, and why philosophical thinking is essential for understanding the technologies shaping our lives.

Join us as we begin a new series on the Automated Societies podcast and open the conversation on AI, ethics, and society.

Google’s new AI Mode is the biggest shift to search in years  but what does it mean for how we find and trust information?

In this episode, we talk to ADM+S researchers Dr Ashwin Naggapa, Dr Oleg Zendel and Sara Fahad Dawood Al Lawati from the Australian Search Experience project to explore how AI is transforming search engines into conversational systems that summarise rather than connect  us to the web.

We explore what happens when AI becomes the gatekeeper of online visibility. From SEO to Generative Engine Optimisation, we discuss the future of information production, the risks to independent voices, and how Australians are navigating the new search landscape.

On the 16 May 2025, ADM+S hosted a presentation by Associate Professor Trebor Scholz titled From Vibe to Viability: A methodology for Building Transformative Alternatives in the Digital Economy.

In his talk, Assoc Prof Scholz analyses real-world models of doing things differently—from a driver-owned ride-hailing platform in New York City, to a community telecoms co-op in South Africa, a care worker co-op in Sydney, an artist-owned stock photography platform based in Canada, and a food delivery system shared by 80 cooperatives across Europe. These are practical alternatives that challenge business-as-usual approaches in mobility, connectivity, creative production, care, and food systems.

A/Prof Trebor Scholz is a leading voice in the global movement for democratic digital infrastructure, exploring how communities in over 60 countries are creating alternatives to extractive technologies through cooperative experiments.

On 4 December 2024 ADM+S invited guest speakers from industry partner organisation the ABC, to be part of a panel titled ‘What is a Public Service Algorithm and Why Might We Need One?’ 

Providing an alternative to commercial forms of content curation is one of the challenges faced by public service media in the digital era. The conversation explores how automated recommendation systems might support the mission of public service media in Australia.

This conversation moderated by ADM+S Chief Investigator Prof Mark Andrejevic, features Angela Ross, Research Lead at ABC News Strategy and Innovation, Laura Gartry, Innovation Lead at ABC Digital and National News, Stuart Watt, Head of News Strategy and Innovation at ABC, and ADM+S Associate Investigator Assoc Prof James Meese. 

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Assoc Prof Michael Richardson, co-lead on our new project titled ‘ADM, Ecosystems, and Multispecies Relationships’.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/adm-ecosystems-and-multispecies-relationships/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies.

In this episode, hear from Dr Daniel Featherstone on 'Mapping the Digital Gap'.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/mapping-the-digital-gap/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Kimberlee Weatherall on 'The Regulatory Project'.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/the-regulatory-project/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Dr Kylie Pappalardo about our new project titled ‘Evaluating Automated Cultural Curating and Ranking Systems with Synthetic Data’.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/evaluating-automated-cultural-curating-and-ranking-systems-with-synthetic-data/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Kimberlee Weatherall about our new project titled ‘GenAI Sim: Simulation in the Loop for Multi-Stakeholder Interactions with Generative Agents'.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/genaisim-simulation-in-the-loop-for-multi-stakeholder-interactions-with-generative-agents/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Haiqing Yu about on new project titled ‘Language and Cultural Diversity in ADM: Australia in the Asia Pacific’.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/language-and-cultural-diversity-in-adm-australia-in-the-asia-pacific/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Anthony McCosker, co-lead on our new project titled ‘Generative Authenticity’.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/generative-authenticity/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Axel Brunns, co-lead on The Australian Search Experience 2.0.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/australian-search-experience-2-0/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Prof Anthony McCosker, co-lead on our new project titled ‘Critical Capabilities for Inclusive AI’.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/critical-capabilities-for-inclusive-ai/

In 2024 the ARC Centre of Excellence is introducing a suite of new research projects investigating critical questions, regulatory intervention, design, application and deployment of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making technologies. 

In this episode, hear from Assoc Prof Nicholas Carah, co-lead on the Australian Ad Observatory 2.0.

For more information visit: https://www.admscentre.org.au/australian-ad-observatory-investigating-mobile-and-dynamic-advertising-via-computational-and-participatory-approaches/

This panel conversation was part of a recent event hosted by the Platform Economies Research Network (PERN), in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society. 

The event titled 'Digital Platform Economies: Value from data?' was held at the New School in New York City on 24-26 April 2024. 

This session focuses on digital twins, which are virtual representations tied to physical objects, processes, or environments. Defined by a two-way flow of information, digital twins feed powerful machine-learning operations capable of autonomously monitoring, simulating, and even modulating the ‘real’ world. The aim is to encompass the physical world within interactive monitoring and control systems that promise novel forms of value extraction based on comprehensive, real-time data capture and processing. While the market for digital twins is predicted to grow in value from $10bn to more than $100bn over the next five years, the nature, scope, and viability of digital twins are unclear. This panel asks: How do digital twins generate value? How are they imagined to reshape labor, logistics, and future planning? What regulatory interventions are needed as government and industry are increasingly drawn to the lure of digital platforms for modeling futures and modulating the real? What multidisciplinary methods of analysis and lines of inquiry are relevant to this emerging domain?

Featured in this conversation is ADM+S researchers Zoe Horn, Assoc Prof Michael Richardson, Prof Mark Andrejevic, and moderated by Seyram Avle from PERN.

Learn more about the event: https://www.admscentre.org.au/digital-platform-economies-program/

This keynote conversation was part of a recent event hosted by the Platform Economies Research Network (PERN), in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society.

The event titled 'Digital Platform Economies: Value from data?' was held at the New School in New York City on 24-26 April 2024.

Featured in this keynote conversation is ADM+S director Prof Julian Thomas and Associate director Prof Jean Burgess, moderated by Paul Dourish from PERN.

Learn more about the event: https://www.admscentre.org.au/digital-platform-economies-program/

This debate was held as part of the 2023 ADM+AS Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. A lively debate on the implications of Generative AI and its societal impact. Featuring experts in the field, this debate will shed light on the serious hazards and enormous potential of Generative AI. The affirmative side will argue that we must stop progress in this technology and focus on minimising its harms and render it safe. The negative will emphasise the importance of integrating this Promethean Gift into every corner of our lives. Speakers: A/Prof Chris Berg, RMIT University (moderator) Prof Chirag Shah, University of Washington (affirmative) Dr Jana Schmitz, .au domain (affirmative) Prof Jason Potts, RMIT University (affirmative) Dr Rachel Bailes, Australian Information Industry Association (negative) Prof Sinclair Davidson, RMIT University (negative) Dr Aaron Lane, Lawyer, Supreme Court of Victoria and RMIT University (negative)

This panel was held at the 2023 ADM+S Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. How did search engines develop over the 20th century? Mark Sanderson and Julian Thomas will show how expensive subscription-based search companies formed in the 1960s and largely unchanged over three decades were wiped out by web search that was free, fast, and easy to use, drawing connections between this revolution of the past and the current generative AI revolution. Speakers: Prof Lisa Given, RMIT University (chair) Prof Mark Sanderson, RMIT University Prof Julian Thomas, RMIT University

This panel was held at the 2023 ADM+S Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. Although generative AI – and tools like ChatGPT – show that the future of search will certainly be complex, this panel will engage in longer-term stargazing to examine what the reality of search may be in 25-30 years. Through an interactive discussion format, our experts will imagine how people will find and share information, how our workplaces may change, whether dozens of phone apps will continue to define search, and who might own and control these tools and the data they contain. Come along on the journey as we look ahead to the next generation of search. Speakers: Prof Lisa Given, RMIT University (chair) Prof Guido Zuccon, University of Queensland Peter Bailey, Canva Dr Johanne Trippas, RMIT University Prof Jason Potts, RMIT University

This panel was held at the 2023 ADM+S Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. With billions of queries serviced every day, web search has profoundly reshaped the way we relate to information. But search has itself been reshaped by law, regulation, markets, user interactions, and other social forces. This panel asks: how can we understand the historical evolution of search from a social perspective? What has search done to us, and what have we done to search? And how can future search systems be designed to avoid some of the mistakes made in the past? Speakers, Assoc Prof Ramon Lobato, RMIT University (chair) Louisa Bartolo, Queensland University of Technology Prof Dan Angus, Queensland University of Technology Prof Kimberlee Weatherall, University of Sydney Prof Alistair Moffat, University of Melbourne

This keynote presentation was part of the 2023 ADM+S Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. What did web search replace? What are the origins of web search and how it has evolved in the last 2-3 decades? A look at the history and impact of search and a look forward to where we are going – including neural methods which have been used in web search for a while and chat. The talk will focus more on people and their interactions with search systems, helping them articulate their needs and making sense of results and less about the technical details of the systems themselves. Speaker: Susan Dumais, Technical Fellow & Managing Director, Microsoft Research New England, New York City and Montreal

This keynote presentation was part of the 2023 ADM+S Web Search Revolution Symposium on 17 August at RMIT University, and online. The prominent model of retrieving, evaluating, and using relevant information from databases, collections, and the web is going through a significant transformation. This is largely due to wide-scale availability of various generative AI systems that can take in natural language inputs and generate highly customized natural language text or images and even videos. This transformation in progress will have profound impacts on users, developers, and policy makers. It is already changing many sectors including education, health, and commerce. In this talk, I will highlight some of the opportunities and challenges for information access stemming from recent advancements in generative AI. I will bring up frequently asked questions about impacts of these technologies on pedagogy, jobs, economy, policies, and democracy. The goal here is to cut through both hype and fear and think pragmatically about the future of information access. Speaker: Chirag Shah, Professor of Information and Computer Science, University of Washington