In the latest episode of the Rosenfeld Review, Lou sits down with social scientist Tricia Wang, coiner of the term “thick data,” and formerly a partner at Sudden Compass. Tricia is passionate about research and AI. She envisions massively improved research outcomes and opportunities for researchers, but only if researchers take the lead in incorporating AI into their work. Rather than seeing themselves as “users” of AI tools, researchers must work as AI’s “shapers,” serving as its senior partner.

Tricia’s vision is to cease the fear-mongering surrounding the subject of AI and instead embrace the amazing opportunities for growth and better work by becoming active in the control of AI’s future.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• The truth about the potential for AI use in research and the gift that it actually is
• The difference between a “user” and a “shaper” in the digital age
• The importance of taking an active role in the development of AI in the future
• How being an asset class dehumanizes us as people

Quick Reference Guide:
[0:16] – Lou’s introduction of Tricia Wang
[2:52] – Tricia discusses our future and how we talk about AI
[3:49] – Thoughts on the narrative of fear-mongering we have in the West about AI
[5:47] – The relationship between humans and AI
[5:59] – A new framework: users vs shapers
[9:07] – The problem with taking on a passive role with a technology unlike anything we have ever seen
[11:06] – People who use AI successfully are active shapers
[15:33] – Info on Advancing Research 2024
[17:23] – How users, shapers, and AI affect the field of research
[20:42] – The existential question of what it really means to be a researcher
[31:28] – Tricia’s advice concerning using AI in research
[35:07] – Tricia’s gift for the audience
[38:34] – Tricia wants to hear from you