The State of Internet 2023 with James Bridle

On 9 March 2023, Waag Futurelab organised its fifth edition of The State of the Internet, a gathering to discuss the big issues of privacy, platformisation, self-determination and digital rights. This year's lecture was led by writer, artist, journalist and technologist James Bridle (they/them). Bridle explores how radical technological models can decentralise power.

In the lecture 'Other Intelligences' Bridle explored the current state of AI, where it's headed, and how we might think otherwise about both 'artificial' intelligence, and the multiple other forms of intelligence that exists in the world. The lecture is in English.

After James Bridle's lecture 'Other Intelligences', they engaged in a discussion with the panel. The panel moderated by founder, director, and board member of Waag, Marleen Stikker.

James Bridle

James Bridle works as a writer, artist, journalist and technologist. Their artworks have been commissioned by galleries and institutions and exhibited worldwide. Bridle writes about literature, culture and networks and has been published in magazines and newspapers including Wired, the Atlantic, the New Statesman, the Guardian and the Financial Times.

With a background in computer science, they consider the question of what intelligence is. In the new book Ways of Being, Bridle considers the fascinating, uncanny and multiple ways of existing on Earth. They wonder what it means to be intelligent? Is it something unique to humans or do we share it with other creatures? And what can we learn from the intelligence of the natural systems that surround us?

The State of the Internet 2023 is organised by Waag, SIDN, the SIDN fund, the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA), Singel Uitgeverijen, the City of Amsterdam and De Groene Amsterdammer. 

Part of the weather station: Amsterdam - find out more here.