Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Democracy
The Margaret Chase Smith Library invites you to the 2024 Maine Town Meeting. On Friday, May 10th we will explore the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on democracy. We believe this is a timely topic in what will surely be a contentious presidential election year that is likely to see the use of new technology that will push the boundaries of traditional political discourse.

Our guides for the morning will be two members of the University of Maine faculty, Jon Ippolito and Michael Socolow. Ippolito is professor of New Media and director of the Digital Curation program. He will help us navigate and understand the brave new world of artificial intelligence. AI Margaret Chase Smith may even be asked to weigh in on the subject. Socolow is a professor in the Department of Communications and Journalism. Drawing upon his background as a media historian, he will explain how successive waves of new media have transformed American presidential politics since the late nineteenth century.

The two talks will be presented in Skowhegan at the Library between 9 AM and noon and then will be followed by a lunch catered by Heritage House. The event is free, but registration by May 3rd is required. To register, contact the Library by phone at 474-7133 or via e-mail at mcsl@mcslibrary.org. Seating is limited, so don’t delay. We hope you will be able to join us!