Above-angled shot of white robot with blue lights looking up at the camera. One could say the robot has a smile on its face. Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash.

Human at the Center? Rethinking Authenticity, Power, and AI

April 22nd, 2026 12:00pm-1:00pm
  • Room 500
Audience University-Wide

Join us for AI month!

About the Event:

As artificial intelligence systems increasingly shape how we communicate, create, and connect, Annenberg panelists ask what it means to be “real” in an era of generative media. Rather than treating AI as neutral, the panel centers the human. Together, the speakers explore whether and how AI reveals the social hierarchies that have always structured whose voices are heard and believed.
By centering marginalized communities, the panel foregrounds questions of power, labor, governance, and inequality.

Register for the event before Friday, April 17th 

About the Panel:

•    Jessa Lingel — Associate Professor of Communication and Director, Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Program (GSWS)
•    Julia Ticona — Assistant Professor of Communication and Assistant Professor of Sociology, by Courtesy
•    Desmond Patton —  Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) University Professor and Waldo E. Johnson, Jr. Professor of Communication, Founding Director, SAFELab, Founding Faculty Director, Penn Center for Inclusive Innovation & Technology
•    Arelí Rocha — Doctoral Student

-Lunch will be provided to attendees-

Disclaimer: This event may be photographed and/or video recorded for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. We also may share these video recordings through Annenberg's website or related platforms. Certain events may also be livestreamed. By attending or participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and/or video recorded and you are waiving any and all claims regarding the use of your image by the Annenberg School for Communication. The Annenberg School for Communication, at its discretion, may provide a copy of the photos/footage upon written request.