Committee for Adelaide members gathered on 16 June 2026 for an engaging and timely discussion with Professor Emma Thomas, exploring the increasingly complex relationship between artificial intelligence, online engagement and real-world action. This lecture formed part of our Democracy Series which is in partnership with Flinders University, the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies, and major series partner Hays.

A leading social and political psychologist, Professor Thomas examined the psychological mechanisms that influence people to move from digital interaction to offline participation. Drawing on her research, she highlighted the powerful role of social identities, group norms and emotions in shaping collective behaviour and driving action.

The discussion also explored how AI-powered technologies are transforming online environments. As AI continues to influence the information we consume, the content we create and the conversations we have, it is reshaping the scale, speed and reach of communication, mobilisation and influence.

Members considered both the opportunities and challenges that accompany these developments. While AI has the potential to expand participation and strengthen engagement, it also presents significant risks, including the spread of misinformation, growing social polarisation and the amplification of extremist content.

A key theme throughout the session was understanding what remains fundamentally human about collective action, and how this may evolve as AI becomes an increasingly influential force in the ways people connect, organise and make decisions.

Thank you to Professor Emma Thomas for sharing her expertise and insights, and to our members for contributing to a thoughtful and important conversation about the future of civic participation, leadership and social cohesion in the age of AI.