Abstract: “AI First” strategies rapidly reshape policy, infrastructure, and industry, fundamental tensions emerge between acceleration of technological adoption and human-centered values. This keynote critically examines the prevailing reliance upon the transparency, explainability, and interpretability of AI systems as the cornerstones of responsible AI. It argues that these concepts often create an illusion of accountability, rooted in deeper assumptions regarding rationality, data, and control. Moving beyond purely technical narratives, this talk proposes a relational understanding of AI as embedded within socio-political and legal systems. Ultimately, it calls for a paradigm shift towards developing AI that genuinely serves human agency, rather than simply advancing technological capability.

Abstract: The talk examines how AI, particularly generative AI, shapes human attitudes and behaviours, including its potential to facilitate excessive or dependent use. It highlights the dual role of design in both enabling such patterns and mitigating them. Drawing on interdisciplinary work, the discussion integrates relevant psychological theories and models to explain how and why these effects emerge. The talk positions design as a key lever in steering human–AI interaction towards more balanced and wellbeing-oriented outcomes. It also considers cultural sensitivities and cross-cultural differences, informed by recent empirical studies.