Deep Reflections on Technology, Civilization, and Humanity at WAIC 2025

On July 27, during the WAIC 2025, a profound discourse on technology, civilization, and the future of humanity was showcased at the 'WAIC UP! Night' event. The event gathered pioneering thinkers from the fields of artificial intelligence and humanities, engaging in a clash of ideas under the theme 'What's the Big Deal About AI?'. The evening kicked off with a performance by the Xiao Xu Band, merging human and machine collaboration, revealing the symbiotic relationship between technology and emotion. As AI technology rapidly advances, it has moved from labs to the core of industries, with AI creators enjoying technological dividends, becoming 'super individuals' of the new era. They orchestrate dozens of smart agents, igniting a productivity revolution. Zhao Hanqing, founder of AI.TALK, likened AI's impact to the early disputes over photography and painting, asserting that AI-generated works are modern versions of past debates questioning the nature of art. He emphasized the essence of art as ideas rather than mere expression, suggesting that AI heralds a 'revolution of equality in creation'. Junie, a young director, expanded on the human-machine relationship, describing AI as an amplifying factor of creative experience, while also warning of the risk of AI being reined in by capital-driven efficiency demands. Qin Xiaoyu, a documentary director, highlighted the paradox of AI's vast capabilities and the need for humans to reaffirm their existence through original creation. The session concluded with a reflection on what AI cannot replace, with insights from Geoffrey Hinton suggesting a quest for deeper emotional connections, love, and the shared growth of humanity. The debate extended into discussions on whether ordinary people should focus on enhancing specialized skills or comprehensive qualities in an AI-dominated age, emphasizing the need for a balance between technical prowess and humanistic understanding to navigate the challenges posed by AI.