In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer interviews Rammayya Krishnan, Dean of Public Policy and Information Systems @ Carnegie Melon University, an expert in digital transformation and technology management. They discuss the role of decision-making models in voting, particularly in local and state issues. Krishnan highlights the importance of an informed populace and the challenges of acquiring accurate information in the age of filter bubbles and misinformation. They also touch on the need for humility in the information we consume and how technology can support this. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of having a shared base of information to make informed decisions. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Meyerside Chats!

Podcast Highlights:

[00:01:41] Exploring the use of cloud technology in society and policy-making.

[00:02:11] Discussing decision-making models in voting for the public and policymakers.

[00:12:16] The influence of technology on shared experiences and bridging differences.

[00:14:01] Building relationships and bridges between different political opinions.

[00:16:00] The role of being a good listener and demonstrating respect in conversations.

[00:24:47] Contrasting the lack of understanding of social media by policymakers in the past.

[00:25:25] The potential of AI to educate and provide faster access to information for policymakers and the public.

[00:27:00] AI's role in helping understand complex public interest issues.

[00:29:48] Mitigating AI's negative effects through measures like provenance and watermarking.

[00:33:00] The absence of a perfect solution to the information problem.

[00:33:33] Cautions about AI's predictive capabilities and data representation.

[00:35:37] The potential benefits of AI in supporting decision-making and speeding up processes.

[00:37:00] Overcoming bias in data to ensure representation of society as a whole.

[00:39:48] Responsible AI implementation, understanding the system as a whole, and differential impact on individuals.

[00:40:23] Augmentation for democracy and the need for careful consideration of the pipeline.

[00:41:00] Assisting policymakers with AI tools to catch up with policy-making demands.

[00:43:35] Vision for a more prosperous, peaceful, and just society using technology for good.

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About Evan Meyer

Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.