BEYOND THE ALGORITHM: Understanding AI's Power to Shape Our Culture & Future

We often hear about AI in the news, usually presented as either a revolutionary breakthrough or an existential threat. But what’s actually happening on the ground, and how is this technology truly affecting our daily lives? Brighthink.org is hosting a discussion next month, titled Beyond the Algorithm: Understanding AI's Power to Shape Our Culture & Future, which aims to cut through that media hype.

The core idea is to examine how AI, which once felt experimental, is now deeply embedded in the tools and institutions we rely on. Systems are now writing code, generating news content, and making decisions that influence everything from what we see online to how businesses operate and resources are allocated. This event brings together academic insight and technical expertise to look past the headlines and understand where the technology really stands and what its real-world impacts look like. It’s a crucial conversation for anyone interested in the future of technology and culture in Brighton.

This discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026. If you plan to go, the venue is the familiar The Nightingale Room at The Grand Central, located at 29-30 Surrey Street. Doors open at 7:00 PM (19:00), with the main talk starting at 7:30 PM (19:30). A dedicated Q&A session will follow around 8:30 PM (20:30), wrapping up by 9:00 PM (21:00). They’ve lined up a strong panel of speakers, including Ron Chrisley from the University of Sussex, Mark Kennedy from Imperial College London, and Oli Sharpe from GoMeta.

Regarding logistics, the event costs £12 if you pay at the door, though you can also grab advance tickets online via Eventbrite. One important detail to note about the venue: the discussion takes place upstairs in The Nightingale Room. Unfortunately, the organizers have confirmed that there is no wheelchair access at this location.