The French team of Algowatch, Savoir Devenir, facilitated engaging workshops at the “Critical Thinking Encounters” event in Bastia, France, on 18 October 2024. This initiative aimed at testing their new quizzes on the role of AI and algorithms in information usage, focusing on critical thinking and misinformation in the realms of sport and health. The workshops utilised the ‘Health and Well-being’ quiz from the European Algowatch.eu programme with 20-24-year-old students.
Participants shared their thoughts and feelings about AI, often associating it with ChatGPT. Comments varied, with one saying, “AI doesn’t really scare me, it’s a tool,” while another remarked, “AI is interesting but dangerous.” The group quiz encouraged participants to confront these perceptions with the positive and negative impacts of AI on their daily information. It sparked insightful debates about the economy, fake news, conspiracy theories, and the implications for free will.