Helpful or harmful? Leitrim’s older people asked about AI
Older adults are being invited to share their hopes, fears and ideas about artificial intelligence as part of a national campaign aimed at influencing future research and policy.
Older people across Leitrim are being asked what they really think about artificial intelligence — whether they welcome it, worry about it or want nothing to do with it.
Age-Friendly AI has renewed a nationwide call for older adults to have their say on how AI is developing and the impact it could have on everyday life.
The initiative, led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, is particularly keen to hear from people in Leitrim and across Connacht as it builds a national picture of attitudes towards AI.
Participants are being asked three simple questions: what are their hopes for AI, what are their biggest concerns, and what ideas do they have for making the technology more age-friendly?
Submissions already received from Connacht have highlighted hopes that AI could provide assistance in the home.
However, people have also raised concerns about fake information and the possibility of human involvement being removed from important decisions. Suggestions have included holding roadshows to provide practical AI training.
Laura Grehan, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact at ADAPT, Dublin City University, said the organisers want to hear a wide range of opinions.
“The Age-Friendly AI team, supported by leading age-advocacy organisations, is renewing its call for older people across every county in Ireland to have their say,” she said.
“Whether they are enthusiastic about AI, concerned about it, curious about it, or don't use it at all, we want to hear from them.”
She said the responses could provide important evidence for researchers and help influence future policy and practices around the development and use of AI.
The renewed campaign comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Literacy Day on September 8.
Age-Friendly AI says developing critical AI literacy is becoming increasingly important as the technology plays a greater role in everyday life.
The project forms part of ADAPT’s #DiscussAI national conversation programme, established in 2021, which has engaged more than 85,000 people across Ireland.
All contributions to the survey are anonymous and confidential.
Older people in Leitrim can submit their views through a short online form on the Age-Friendly AI website.