The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 ignited a global conversation about the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on the future of work. Amidst the excitement and concern, our project, Modern Work and AI, seizes the opportunity to examine the real-world application and user experiences of GenAI across diverse work environments.
Our mission is to move beyond speculation, grounding our research in the actual use cases of GenAI. We aim to inform the development of future GenAI systems that enhance collaborative work, particularly in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
To date, there has been limited exploration into the adoption of GenAI within workplaces, especially in the Global South. Our project takes an Afrocentric approach to fill this gap, focusing on the practical use of GenAI technologies in various work settings and domains including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and the healthcare sector in Africa.
We are dedicated to understanding the functionality of GenAI in these contexts: identifying the challenges it presents, the opportunities it offers, and its potential to redefine work practices.
By gaining insights into the current use of GenAI, we can shape the trajectory of these tools to be more inclusive, ethical, and effective. Our goal is to ensure that GenAI technologies are designed to meet the unique needs of diverse work settings, fostering a future where technology serves humanity in all its varieties.