Pints & Politics - Should we be worried about AI?

Pints & Politics is back at The Grove on Tuesday 20 October, and this time the conversation is around artificial intelligence. The session is called Should we be worried about AI?, and it's part of a regular series of informal, non-partisan evenings run by a grassroots group here in Nottingham. They're not affiliated with any party and they don't have any funding to subsidise the nights, so it's a community-led thing rather than a formal debate club. The whole point is to learn together about one of the big societal issues of the day, not to score points or win an argument, and the organisers make it clear that money shouldn't be a barrier to coming along.

The night combines themed activities, structured input on the subject, and group discussions, with the chance to meet new people over drinks and snacks. The name comes simply from the alliteration. This particular session asks where AI is heading: how it's being used in emails, workplaces, social media and healthcare; what it means for employment and the resource usage of data centres; and why the major tech companies are calling for more regulation. From there, it opens up to community perspectives on what role AI should play in society.

It's a good one to drop into if you've been following the headlines but haven't had a chance to actually talk through what it all means with other people. You don't need to be an expert to join in—the whole thing is built around learning as you go. The Grove is at Unit 48 Freckingham St, in Sneinton Market, Nottingham NG1 1DQ. Doors open at 19:00, and they're aiming to start by 7:15pm. General admission is free, with optional donations taken on the door to cover costs.