We're very pleased to invite you to an upcoming Undergraduate Guest Lecture as part of the SOCY104 Introduction to Sociology course that is given by Dr. Özge Girgin. Dr. Selma Toktaş (Researcher at Erasmus School of History, Culture and Media, Media & Communication Department / Founder of Nebularis Consultancy) will deliver a lecture titled "Understanding the Social and Ethical Implications of AI: Opportunities and Risks."
Date: Monday 27th April 2026
Time: 13:50
Location: B05
You are all more than welcome to join!
Abstract: This lecture critically examines key ethical issues such as bias and discrimination, opacity, and accountability gaps, alongside the broader societal implications of AI deployment. Particular attention is given to how AI systems reconfigure power and control relations, as the concentration of data and algorithmic decision-making capabilities among certain actors may exacerbate information asymmetries and reinforce existing social inequalities. Furthermore, the lecture explores frameworks aimed at fostering trustworthy, transparent, and human-centric AI development.
Bio: Dr. Selma Toktaş is an AI-driven innovation consultant with over 20 years of experience across academia, media, and international projects. She holds a PhD in Communication from Ankara University, an MSc in Media and Cultural Studies from Middle East Technical University (METU), and a BA in Journalism from Ankara University. She has been a Postdoctoral Researcher at Erasmus University Rotterdam since 2023. She has contributed to several EU-funded projects, including the development of the COMPASS framework for trustworthy AI, supporting organizations in aligning technological innovation with societal impact. In addition to her role as a senior researcher at Erasmus University, she is the founder of Nebularis Consultancy. Dr. Toktaş specializes in AI strategy, digital transformation, and responsible AI governance, helping organizations translate AI ambitions into practical, ethical, and sustainable solutions.
Please contact Özge Girgin (ogirgin@metu.edu.tr), the lecturer for Socy104 Introduction to Sociology, for further questions.