During the talk titled “Artificial Intelligence: Thoughts Aloud on Its Economic and Financial Dimensions,” organized by the PAU Science Communication Coordination Office on Thursday, April 30, the effects of artificial intelligence on our lives were discussed while emphasizing the importance of preserving human values in the age of technology. Beginning his presentation by establishing direct question-and-answer dialogues with the students, Prof. Dr. Ersan Öz defined artificial intelligence (AI) as the processing of existing human-produced information on the internet and presenting it back to users. Referring particularly to AI assistants and chatbots in business life, Prof. Dr. Öz noted that these systems reduce time costs in the workplace and increase efficiency by easing professionals’ workloads by half.

Economic Transformation and the Danger of Loneliness

Touching upon the current state of e-commerce, Prof. Dr. Öz gave examples such as Amazon’s cashierless and cardless store concept, 5-kilogram deliveries made by unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and logistics networks operated through autonomous vehicles. Stating that artificial intelligence has created a gigantic market worth 30 billion dollars economically, Öz also pointed out that the legal framework of the matter is still being debated worldwide.

Emphasizing that alongside the practical solutions offered by technology come sociological dangers as well, Prof. Dr. Öz stated that as digital communication tools increase, people become lonelier. He cited the example of the “Ministry of Loneliness” established in Belgium and advised young people to talk with their families instead of isolating themselves in their rooms and to stay connected with nature and touch the soil.

The Goal of TÜBİTAK Science High School for Students

Emphasizing that the potential of BİLSEM students is of great importance for the future of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Öz presented the TÜBİTAK Science High School in Gebze as a goal for the children. He reminded students that those who achieve high rankings in the High School Entrance Exam (LGS) are educated there through special projects to become world-class scientists and called on students to keep their academic goals high.

“Being a Good Person Is the Best Career”

The talk, which addressed artificial intelligence integrated into every area of life from medicine to agriculture and from e-commerce to the automotive industry, concluded with a message. Addressing future candidates for successful doctors, engineers, and scientists, Prof. Dr. Öz concluded his speech with the words: “Your future financial situation, the car you drive, and the house you live in will be much better than ours. However, no matter what you do; being a good person is the best career.”