A FREE PRESS X FIRE DEBATE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, but it’s already upending how we work, write, research, and learn. We’re on the cusp of a technological revolution that will completely transform the way we consume information.

But will AI bring us closer to understanding the world—or will it cause us to lose our grip on reality? That’s the subject of The Free Press’ next live debate on May 15 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. We’re partnering with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) to bring together four leading experts who will tackle the question: Will the truth survive artificial intelligence?

Aravind Srinivas, founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, and Fei-Fei Li, the esteemed computer scientist known as the “godmother of AI,” will argue that this technology will enhance our knowledge and understanding. They’ll face computer scientist Jaron Lanier and Superbloom author Nicholas Carr, who will make the case that AI will do just the opposite. Bari Weiss will moderate.

This debate goes beyond concerns about ideological bias and censorship in AI systems. We’ll dig into pressing questions like: Will AI-driven recommendation algorithms trap us in deeper echo chambers? Will automated content farms manipulate public discourse? And what will the rise of deepfakes mean for our ability to distinguish fact from fiction?

VIP tickets include access to our exclusive debate after party, where you can chat with Bari and members of The Free Press and FIRE teams, mingle with the debaters, and connect with fellow attendees IRL. Plus: strong drinks and great food. You won’t want to miss it. Note: the location will be communicated to VIPs closer to the event, and it will be within a 10 minute drive from the Palace, with ample parking available.