Digital Humanities and Digital Communication: IManaging uses (and misuses) of AI – Modena, June 8th-12th 2026
AI has transformed the way we live, work and think, bringing exceptional advances in healthcare, transportation and many other fields. As technology continues to advance almost on a daily basis, it opens up new opportunities, but may also favour potentially dangerous practices. It is, indeed, a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, when used critically and responsibly, it enables data analysis at an unprecedented speed and scale to identify patterns, extract meaning and gain new insights. It enhances efficiency, accuracy, and access to services. It empowers people by supporting decision-making and improves. As a tool, AI can assist in literature reviews, textual analysis and, in teaching, act as a source for engaging activities, support personalized learning through adaptive platforms and assist with assessment and feedback.
On the other hand, the inappropriate use of AI, whether intentional or otherwise, can skew results and lead to the dissemination of fake information, and thus undermine trust and academic integrity or result in unsafe or unethical outcomes. It can encourage plagiarism through AI-generated text presented as original work. Furthermore, over-reliance on AI tools may erode critical thinking skills, obscure methodological accountability and weaken academic rigour if students and researchers unquestioningly accept the interpretation of data. AI may also amplify existing inequalities.
The 2026 Summer School of the Unimore Doctoral Programme in Human Sciences will explore the latest developments in the use of AI in the academic context and in particular digital humanities, whilst keeping a watchful eye on the risks connected with AI tools and their potential misuses. It will also reflect on AI not merely as a technological development, but also its impact on our minds, knowledge, ethics, and society. Ultimately, managing AI effectively is not about restricting progress, but about ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with human values and professional standards to benefit society as a whole.
- Committees
- Scientific Program
- Invited Speakers