Events

Dear colleagues, students, and friends,

Join us for the 2025 GHI 5th Forum! This session introduces the GHI Pillar Public Literacies: Civic Systems, Media & Emotional Intelligence, in particular two projects AI Tools for Democracy & Self Awareness and Changing the Game of Diplomatic Hegemonies: Games Against Oppression. This session aims to set the stage for ongoing and upcoming project activities tied to this pillar by offering insights regarding the unique possibilities afforded by procedural and systemic media to engage participants in intellectual discourse around complex and volatile issues through conflict simulations, negotiation games, and powerful artistic statements of peaceful resolution through cultural exchange.

5th GHI Forum

• Title: Public Literacies: Civic Systems, Media & Emotional Intelligence
• Date: Dec 12, 2025, 10:00–11:30 AM EST
• Where: Online (Zoom Registration Link: HERE)
• Speakers: Mikael Jakobsson (host), Lana Cook, Richard Eberhardt, Gabor Hollbeck,  Rilla Khaled
• Special Guests: Sherria Ayuandini, Greg Loring-Albright 

【Abstract】

Any grand scale attempt at shaping the future of public literacies has to take the role of procedural and generative systems seriously. Technological innovation and advances without ethical and sustainable grounding threatens a dystopian future that only the grounded wisdom of the arts, humanities, and social sciences can overcome. Gabor Hollbeck will introduce the AI Tools for Democracy & Self Awareness project which explores a new form of playful interactive learning game aiming to teach emotional intelligence by simulating interpersonal conflicts with AI. The project brings together game design, political cause areas and AI engagement together to strengthen societal cohesion. We will also hear from Lana Cook, co-director of the MIT Systems Awareness Lab before we finish with a panel discussion about the role of games in challenging diplomatic hegemonies. Just as the “Changing the Game” project centers community building for engagement and education, the objective of this panel is to share insights from studying and making this new kind of games, as well as to establish and strengthen ties between academics and practitioners interested in these issues.

Looking forward to seeing you at our events!

The GHI Team