While the human computer interaction community has a long history of designing for children, current efforts to keep children safe online are dominated by monitoring- and control-based approaches. Not only is there limited evidence for the effectiveness of such approaches but they also raise grave risks of missed opportunities. In this talk, I will draw on our various design and qualitative research experiences with children and families in the UK and discuss our research roadmap towards fostering children’s autonomy in the age of AI. It aims to inspire discussions about the principles of designing for children’s autonomy and the challenges of applying these principles in complex socio-technical contexts.

Dr Jun Zhao is a dedicated researcher specialising in the impact of algorithm-driven decision-making on everyday life, particularly focusing on families and young children. By employing a human-centred approach, she seeks to understand the needs of real users in order to design technologies that foster tangible, real-world benefits. As the founder of the Oxford Child-Centred AI Design Lab, she collaborates closely with schools, families, and child-focused technologists to address the technological, societal, and regulatory challenges faced by today’s society. A notable member of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI and Ethics initiative in 2019-20, Jun is an advocate for diversity and equality in the critical field of AI research.

Booking is required for people outside of the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI).
DSPI Members do not need to register.

This talk is part of the DSPI Michaelmas Term Seminar Series 2024