Mariya Kuzyan Report from the Digital MindScape Conference (May 18, 2024, Wrocław, SWPS University)

On May 18, 2024, the first edition of the scientific conference ”Digital MindScape” was held at SWPS University in Wrocław. The conference was co-organized by the HumanTech Student Scientific Society, and both speakers and participants had the option to attend in person or online.

The event focused on exploring contemporary issues at the intersection of psychology and new technologies, particularly in the context of social transformations resulting from rapid technological progress. It attracted a wide array of experts from fields such as psychology, engineering, technical sciences, law, and marketing, creating a space for discussion, knowledge exchange, and sharing experiences on key issues of the digital reality of individuals.

The conference began with a lecture by d”eng. Piotr Szymański from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, who introduced participants to the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), confronting common beliefs about AI with its actual technical functioning. He also touched on the projection of human traits onto artificial systems, which is often based on science fiction literature and contemporary media narratives. Dr hab. Jacek Pyżalski, professor at Adam Mickiewicz University, discussed how generative artificial intelligence is bringing changes to the education sector - changes that are hard to classify as either positive or negative but which are undeniably linked to mental health and social aspects of the younger generation of digital users. He highlighted how AI can either act as a developmental stimulus or a blocker, depending on the user's competencies.

Dr. Jakub Kuś engaged participants with insights into changes in moral thinking among “digital natives”, while dreng. Jacek Lebiedź, professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, presented projects conducted at the Immersive Spatial Visualization Lab, discussing the potential uses of virtual reality in various disciplines. Dagmara Kokoszka-Lassota explored the application of new technologies and psychological knowledge in marketing. The conference concluded with a lecture by Professor Michał Kosiński from Stanford University, who addressed key issues in understanding AI, its growing influence on various industries, and the ethical challenges that accompany its further development.

A highlight of the event was a panel discussion addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of artificial intelligence on mental health and societal functioning. Parallel symposia were also held, where participants could listen to presentations and engage in discussions on various topics related to the use of new technologies in psychology. A poster session (and coffee break) followed the symposia.

The Digital MindScape Conference was a unique event, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the role new technologies play in shaping society and mental health. The conference gathered prominent speakers and experts, offering a platform for knowledge and idea exchange in the rapidly evolving field of psychology and new technologies.

Mariya Kuzyan