Vaba Akadeemia Loeng ⟩ Auli Viidalepp „Sünteetiliste tekstide roll kultuuris“

In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about computer-generated texts and their impact on society. There are fears that synthetic texts will flood the cultural space with misinformation, that their existence and dissemination mean we can no longer trust anything published online, and so on. But to what extent are these fears justified? And to what extent is this even a new phenomenon?

Let’s take a look at some recent examples of how the use of synthetic content has intervened in societal or cultural processes. Some semiotic theories and models can help us make sense of the functioning of synthetic media in culture, such as Juri Lotman’s theory of the sociocommunicative functions of (cultural) text or Roman Jakobson’s communication scheme and language functions.

The lecture will take place on June 16 at 6:15 pm at Tartu Jakobi Culture House (Jakobi 41).

The SA Academia Artium Liberalium, or Free Academy, is an association founded in early 2018 that brings together Estonian intellectuals: scientists, thinkers, intellectuals, and learners. The aim of the Academy is to create conditions for the emergence and development of a Renaissance-type circle of intellectuals in accordance with the concept of liberal arts. The founders of the Academy are Marju Lepajõe, Mihhail Lotman, Ülar Ploom, Hardo Pajula, and Maria-Kristiina Lotman.

Previous lectures of the Free Academy can be viewed on Postimees TV.

The discussion around computer-generated texts and their impact on society is complex and multifaceted. While there are valid concerns about the potential spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in online content, it is essential to approach this issue with a nuanced understanding of the role of synthetic media in our cultural landscape. By examining recent examples and drawing on semiotic theories, we can gain valuable insights into how synthetic content is shaping our society and influencing our communication processes. The upcoming lecture at Tartu Jakobi Culture House promises to delve deeper into these topics, offering a platform for critical reflection and discussion on the evolving dynamics of digital media in the modern world.