Stony Brook Names Yvette Wohn to Head New AI and Society Department

Yvette Wohn has taken the inaugural chair position at Stony Brook University’s new Department of Technology, AI and Society. She presented the department's academic focus during the Homecoming Thought Leadership Series at the Charles B. Wang Center on October 16.

Wohn holds a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard University and a PhD in Media and Information Studies from Michigan State University. Her background combines technology and digital media with a foundation in communication.

During her presentation, Wohn described a shift in how people interact with artificial intelligence. She argued that the technology is moving beyond a simple tool to become a collaborator in daily life and professional settings.

The department will study how AI integrates into sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and self-help. Wohn noted that while AI may displace some roles, it also creates new opportunities for existing jobs.

In the medical field, she explained that AI systems can analyze images to identify potential diagnoses. This allows healthcare professionals to spend more time on patient consultations and communicating complex results.

Wohn also addressed the impact of AI on creative industries, specifically regarding intellectual property. She cited a 2022 controversy at the Colorado State Fair, where an AI-generated piece won a prize. The debate focused on whether creators had consented to their work being used to train these systems.

She pointed out that major cultural institutions, including the Whitney Museum and MoMA, have since featured artwork incorporating AI. This suggests the creative sector is seriously considering the technology's role.

The presentation covered personal interactions and privacy concerns, such as AI-generated music using the voices of deceased performers. Wohn asked if Michael Jackson consented to his voice being used in recent covers on YouTube, noting that he did not.

The new department is supported by a $5 million investment from New York State. Its research connects technology with the humanities, social sciences, and policy to examine the long-term effects of AI on human experience.

Wohn emphasized that universities can study AI without the pressure of meeting shareholder needs. She argued that responsible development requires input from policymakers and the public, comparing the current lack of regulation to the approval process for new drugs.