(Wo)man+Machine: Our Extraordinary Next Chapter

Briar's "(Wo)man+Machine" keynote cuts through typical AI fearmongering by making a bold claim: we've already merged with AI, whether we realize it or not. Opening with relatable questions about phone checking habits and social media scrolling, she builds a compelling case that our smartphones have become external brains and our daily decisions are already shaped by algorithms - from GPS navigation to Netflix recommendations.

The heart of her talk introduces the "AI Guardian" concept, envisioning an integrated system that would monitor health, enhance cognition, and optimize our environment. Instead of treating AI as a replacement for human capabilities, Briar positions it as an amplifier of human potential, particularly in areas of health, cognition, and environmental optimization.

She frames our current moment not as a crisis to be feared, but as an unprecedented opportunity for human enhancement and growth. By grounding futuristic concepts in present-day examples and personal experiences, including her own interactions with early adopters of neural interface technology, she makes the extraordinary feel within reach.