Collisions in AI: Technology, Media, and Trust

This Capstone project will consider what comes next as we arrive at a new inflection point of AI, inquiring whether large language models and new technologies will help create convergence around truth in American Society or whether they will multiply problems of distrust and divide with tools far more powerful than deep-fakes.

The Omidyar Network has been on the cutting edge of thinking about the responsible development of Generative AI and anchored its work on the belief that this technology can be used to build shared power and prosperity, rather than concentrating control in the hands of a few. Their work spans 30 million+ in direct, early stage investments - notably being an early funder of Antropic - to policy development and advocacy work - including helping states create the first AI governance laws and inventing new AI ownership frameworks like the Long-term Benefits Trust. While AI technology has fragmented our social discourse in profound ways – diminishing public trust in government institutions, fueling polarization, changing how Americans interact with one another – the Omidyar Network believes in the potential of Generative AI to enhance transparency if we harness new tools in the right ways – and ultimately be a powerful technology to enhance trust. The Capstone Project team will act as consultants working directly for the Chief Executive Officer’s team on a critical project for the Omidyar Network as they continue to strengthen their thought leadership in the AI space.