Engaging guest lecturer and author, Ai Jiang, visits DHU course on AI, Literature and Culture

Digital Humanities students in course DHU 436 - Advanced Topics in the Digital Humanities: AI, Literature and Culture were recently visited by guest lecturer and author, Ai Jiang. Jiang is an award-winning author based in Toronto and a UofT grad. Jiang’s novelette, I am Ai, was one of the readings of the course this semester.

This digital humanities course, developed by Dr. Heidi Craig, explores the history of artificial intelligence (AI) and examines literary representations of AI past and present, the impact of AI on literary creation and interpretation. It also delves into the ethical and philosophical implications of using AI in literature and provides students with the opportunity to try AI tools.

I am Ai follows a cyborg, Ai, who is always running on low energy and struggling to make ends meet. As a writer in a time of artificial intelligence, Ai must push to compete with technology and meet unrealistic deadlines, while abandoning family and personal health. The book explores current issues in our society such as the race against technology, toxic work culture, the fading human connection and climate issues.

Jiang explores the contradictions of technology. It can connect people, resources and create efficiencies, while also creating barriers, spreading misinformation and causing disconnect. A serious consideration of the novel is the impact of AI on language, literacy and creativity. In a time of advanced technology, we are witnessing diminishing grammar, writing and literary comprehension.

During Jiang’s lecture, students were able to learn about the process of writing I am Ai. Jiang shared some of her musings and how her experience working long and demanding hours as a ghost writer had an influence on the book. Jiang also encouraged the students to reflect on their own experiences in relation to the themes of the book.

Following the lecture there was an engaging question and answer period where students were able to ask further about Jiang’s inspirations and the writing process.

Upon reflecting on the lecture, one student said: “I really enjoyed Ai Jiang's guest lecture! The discussion on AI’s impact on human labour and job fields was particularly fascinating, as it connected directly to her novelette and deepened my understanding of both her writing and the inspiration behind it. I was especially surprised by how much of the story was influenced by her own life experiences, despite being set in an apocalyptic-feeling world. The interactive aspect of the lecture, where she encouraged us to reflect on questions and write down our responses, was a great touch. It prompted me to think more deeply about the themes explored in her work.”

To learn more about Ai Jiang, visit her website at https://aijiangauthor.wordpress.com/.

For more information about Digital Humanities courses, please check out https://wdw.utoronto.ca/digital-humanities.