How will we survive AI?
The intersection of sport and technology has always fascinated me, especially as sports engage us in complex conversations about class, opportunity, tribalism, and identity.
As we move closer to a world where technopolitics shapes our sense of identity, what are the opportunities and compromises we make when attaching a sense of who we are to the technologies that accompany us?
Artificial intelligence takes this to a new level, as we begin to imbue it with persona, emotional attachment, trust, and a belief that, as Richard Dawkins aluded to the other day, seems rather like a form of consciousness (even if it's not).
In this podcast, I talk mostly about my passion to shift the dial on AI literacy; I think it's the biggest science communication challenge we have today and, what's more, i think it's bigger than anything before that.
There is a justified exceptionalism about AI that we need to take on board, which is not to say that it's bigger than other major educational priorities, like climate action.
However, the pace of the imposition from AI is all consuming and needs particular vigilence to not lose sight of the politics and economics of what's taking place.
The world cup this month is a moment to see that close up, as the sports industry reframes itself from being predominantly a media and entertainment industry - away from simply a cultural phenomenon - to becoming an innovation economy, with createch at its heart.
Thanks to Dawn Taylor for putting it together and, if you are in Manchester on 11th June, get over to the Venture Café Manchester led by Andrew Ruffler for some discussion about what's just about to happen!
In this episode of Beyond the Algorithm, Dawn Taylor is joined by Andy Miah — Chair in Science Communication and Future Media at University of Salford — for a wide-ranging conversation exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on sport, media, education, trust, and the future of learning.
As the world prepares for a major summer of global sport, Andy explains how AI is already reshaping sports broadcasting, audience engagement, and digital media experiences. From AI-generated content and automated highlights to drone footage controversies and viral misinformation, the discussion examines how technology is changing the way people consume and interact with sport.
The conversation then turns to AI-generated influencers, authenticity, and the growing challenge of determining what can be trusted online. Drawing on his recent work investigating AI fitness influencers for the BBC, Andy explores why media literacy and AI literacy are rapidly becoming essential skills for modern life.
Together, Dawn and Andy discuss: Why society may be underestimating the scale of AI-driven change How AI is transforming sport, media, and communication The rise of AI-generated influencers and digital identities Why trust and authenticity are becoming increasingly complex
The role of schools and universities in developing AI literacy How curriculum and assessment may need to evolve Why metacognition and cognitive regulation matter more than ever
The risks of AI bypassing cognitive struggle rather than supporting learning How educators can preserve authentic evidence of learning in the age of AI A major focus of the episode is vibe coding — using natural language prompts to create software and digital tools without traditional programming expertise.
Andy explains how AI-powered development platforms are democratising creation and enabling entirely new opportunities for non-technical innovators. The episode also explores Dawn's work on AI meta-literacy, including how schools can develop a shared language between learners and AI systems that supports understanding, strengthens learner agency, and keeps human thinking at the centre of the learning process.
This is a thought-provoking discussion about the opportunities, tensions, and responsibilities emerging as AI becomes embedded in everyday life. Listen if you're interested in AI, education, sport, media, innovation, digital culture, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly AI-mediated world.
