Unforgettable community discussions and respectful, inclusive debates
The Salt Spring Forum brings diverse perspectives on important issues to a community known for its civic engagement and openness to new ideas.
The Forum has hosted some of the world's leading authors, artists, scientists, political leaders and activists. Our annual speaker series and members-only salons present thought-provoking discussions on some of the greatest issues of our times.
Forum events take place in a truly participatory discussion format that ensures respectful dialogue, a wide-range of perspectives and ideas, and mutual learning.
We invite you to learn more about the Salt Spring Forum. The best way to become involved is to attend one of our many events. We also encourage you to become a member and support our work with a tax-deductible donation.
OUR NEXT EVENT.
Taylor Owen
Beaver Point Hall. 3pm, Saturday December 7th
Tickets available HERE
Taylor Owen holds the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Ethics and Communications at McGill University, where he studies the impacts and ethics of Big Tech, social media, and Artificial Intelligence on our public and private lives.
It’s often said that those who control the media, control the mind. Newspaper barons used to shape the thinking of the masses, but now it’s the algorithms of social media.
Will Big Tech save humanity or destroy it?
Professor Owen believes that our future lies somewhere between these two extremes, but just who is regulating these companies?
Are politicians and bureaucrats acting in the public interest, or have they been captured by Big Tech, too?
Donald Trump owns a social media platform. So does Elon Musk, who deployed “X” to great effect in the recent U.S. election. Do you see any conflict of interest here?
As for AI, it’s being introduced into all areas of our lives at breakneck speed. How will it alter our society? Will it leave any room for “humanity”?
And what about the young people in our lives? Is it just the older members of society who are frightened by the speed and power of “new technology”?
Are those who’ve grown up with the Internet savvy enough to take care of themselves? Or are they already living in the “Matrix”, a simulated world in which humans fulfil roles that have been predetermined for them by machines?
One thing is certain: Taylor Owen will expand our understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved with Big Tech, social media and AI. Please join us for a great discussion!
Link to Video of the debate HERE
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