Prof. Zizi Papacharissi: Affective AI. Dreams and Nightmares about Technology and Civic Life

Lecture on the social and political futures of AI, civic life, and digital public spheres.

The Weizenbaum Distinguished Fellow Lecture with Prof. Zizi Papacharissi will take place on September 16, 2026 at the Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin. Under the title “Affective AI. Dreams and Nightmares about Technology and Civic Life,” the lecture explores the civic potential of artificial intelligence and the role AI could play in shaping future public and democratic life.

The talk starts from the observation that AI technologies are spreading rapidly, often without a clear sense of purpose guiding their adoption. Papacharissi will examine how AI innovation and future interfaces might be designed with civic goals in mind, while considering both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging AI technologies.

Prof. Zizi Papacharissi is Distinguished Professor of Communication and Political Science at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on the social and political consequences of online media. The event is organized by Christian Strippel, with welcome remarks by Prof. Dr. Christoph Neuberger, Research Director at the Weizenbaum Institute.

Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Weizenbaum Institute, Hardenbergstraße 32, 10623 Berlin
Organizer: Weizenbaum Institute
Admission: Registration required
Speaker: Prof. Zizi Papacharissi, University of Illinois Chicago
Welcome remarks: Prof. Dr. Christoph Neuberger, Weizenbaum Institute
Audience: Researchers, AI and digital society experts, and anyone interested in the social and political implications of AI
Focus: Affective AI, societal impacts of AI, civic life, digital public spheres, AI futures, technology and democracy
Special feature: Weizenbaum Distinguished Fellow Lecture