How AI is Reshaping Human Behavior and Ethics: Upcoming ITS Webinar Highlights Key Insights
According to the International Telecommunications Society (ITS), the first webinar of 2026, titled “How AI Changes Us”, will explore the profound psychological, ethical, and societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The webinar is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 9:30 AM Eastern. This free, one-hour session will feature two leading psychologists and promises to provide valuable insights on how AI influences human values, trust, and even childhood development.
The Details: What to Expect from the ITS Webinar
The ITS has designed this webinar to address some of the most compelling questions surrounding AI and human behavior. Key topics include:
- Why we trust certain machines but fear others
- How AI impacts human values and the way we find meaning
- The developmental challenges and benefits of growing up with AI tutors and companions
- The role of moral psychology in creating human-centric AI
The session will consist of a 30-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A, providing participants ample opportunity to engage with globally recognized experts. This balance of information-sharing and dialogue is a hallmark of ITS webinars, which have consistently attracted professionals, academics, and ethical thinkers from around the world.
Why This Matters: AI’s Growing Role in the Telecom and Tech Sectors
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tech innovation; it has become foundational across industries, particularly in telecom. Recent data from Grand View Research projects the global AI market to reach $1.81 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023. Within telecommunications, AI is transforming how networks are managed, enhancing customer experiences through virtual assistants, and optimizing infrastructure efficiency.
This webinar’s emphasis on the psychological and ethical dimensions of AI couldn’t come at a better time. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life—from smart home devices to AI-driven customer service—it’s essential to consider its broader impact on human behavior and societal values. The telecom industry, which serves as the backbone for AI-powered internet and mobile applications, must prioritize trust and alignment to maintain user confidence in AI applications.
Major companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are already investing heavily in AI to improve network performance and service reliability. The insights shared during this webinar could shape future AI-driven strategies across the telecom and tech sectors.
Future Outlook: The Need for Ethical AI and Human-Centric Design
Looking ahead, discussions like those featured in this ITS webinar are crucial for establishing a roadmap for ethical AI development. By incorporating expert psychological and moral perspectives, industries can better align AI technologies with human-centric goals. Experts have pointed out that trust is a cornerstone of all technology adoption, and missteps in AI design—such as biases or a lack of transparency—could erode that trust entirely.
For example, educational AI tools used by children must be designed with sensitivity to developmental psychology. Similarly, AI in health care and personal assistance must account for human emotions, particularly in vulnerable or high-stress situations. The focus on these factors during the ITS session signals a broader commitment from academia and industry to tackle these challenges head-on.
“As we integrate AI into our lives, we are also redefining what it means to be human,” notes Dr. Susan Markham, a leading AI ethics researcher. “Conversations like this are essential for ensuring that we don’t lose sight of our humanity in the process.”
Join the Conversation: How Will AI Shape Our Future?
As intelligent machines continue to proliferate, the way we interact with them—and the values we prioritize—will define AI’s legacy in society. The ITS webinar on February 19 provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with experts about the long-term ramifications of AI on psychology, morality, education, and beyond.
What do you think? Will AI enhance or challenge human flourishing in the next decade? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
To learn more about the webinar, visit the International Telecommunications Society’s website.
