Columbia University Tests AI Tool to Bridge Divided Student Voices

Columbia University Tests AI Tool to Smooth Over Student Tensions Columbia University has begun testing an artificial intelligence (AI) debate program called Sway, which aims to facilitate better discussions between students with opposing views on contentious issues. The university's Teachers College is currently piloting the tool, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. According to Nicholas DiBella, a postdoctoral scholar at CMU who helped develop Sway, about 3,000 students from more than 30 colleges and universities have used the tool since its beta release. "Sway matches up students with opposing views to chat one-on-one about hot-button issues," DiBella explained in an interview with The Verge. "Our goal is to create a safe space for people to engage in respectful discussions, even when they disagree." The university's decision to test Sway comes after years of escalating tensions between students, administrators, and the federal government. In recent years, Columbia has been at the center of controversy over expulsions of pro-Palestinian student protesters, police raids, and demands from the federal government. Sway uses AI algorithms to facilitate discussions by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful conversations about sensitive topics such as abortion, racism, immigration, and Israel-Palestine. The tool's website claims that Sway "facilitates better discussions between people with opposing views" by creating a safe space for open communication. The use of AI in conflict resolution is an emerging trend in academia and beyond. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University believe that Sway has the potential to be a valuable tool in promoting understanding and empathy among individuals with differing perspectives. "Columbia's decision to test Sway reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to address the increasingly polarized campus climate," said Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of education at Columbia Teachers College. "We're excited to explore how this technology can be used to promote constructive dialogue and foster greater understanding among students." The pilot program is currently underway, with results expected in the coming months. If successful, Sway could become a valuable resource for universities nationwide looking to address campus tensions. In related news, Carnegie Mellon University has announced plans to expand its research on AI-powered conflict resolution tools. The university's researchers are working to refine Sway and develop new applications for AI in promoting social cohesion. As the use of AI in conflict resolution continues to evolve, experts warn that more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these technologies. "While AI has the potential to be a game-changer in promoting understanding and empathy, we must also consider the potential risks and limitations of these tools," said Dr. John Taylor, a leading expert on AI ethics. The future of Sway and its applications remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the use of AI in conflict resolution is an area that will continue to be closely watched by researchers, policymakers, and educators alike. *Reporting by News.*