AI's Impact on Humanity's Future: Insights from RTI International and Elon 

Published Date : 21/09/2025 

On September 17, 2025, researchers, thought leaders, and policymakers gathered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park to delve into the philosophical and practical implications of artificial intelligence on human identity and society. 

On September 17, 2025, researchers, thought leaders, and policymakers convened in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park to explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human identity and society. The event, titled “The Human Edge: Our Future with Artificial Intelligences,” was co-hosted by RTI International and Elon University. Over 600 participants registered to attend either in person or via Zoom, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue about AI and its role in shaping our future.

What does it mean to be human in the age of artificial intelligence? Is it the unique use of language, the demonstration of empathy, or the ability to form communities? These and many other questions were posed during the summit, which aimed to develop research agendas and foster a deeper understanding of the relationship between AI and human capabilities.

Participants delved into the intersections of AI with modern education, human agency, creativity, and well-being. Breakout sessions were designed to support the responsible development and use of AI technologies, encouraging attendees to work towards a shared research agenda. A roundtable of higher education leaders from top universities across the state also presented on the AI initiatives and research taking place on their respective campuses.

Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book opened the conference by urging attendees to confront fundamental questions about humanity’s place in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. She highlighted Elon’s leadership in technology research through its Imagining the Digital Future Center, which has collaborated with over 140 higher education organizations, administrators, researchers, and faculty members from 48 countries to develop core principles guiding AI policies and practices. Book also mentioned “The Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence,” an Elon University publication adopted by approximately 4,000 colleges, universities, schools, and organizations globally.

RTI International President and CEO Tim Gabel emphasized the promise and responsibilities of employing emerging AI technologies in his opening remarks. Gabel highlighted RTI’s efforts to use AI responsibly, including tools for public health communication, a new AI system for researchers, and a “digital twin” of the U.S. population to model disease spread and test solutions. He stressed that the true potential of AI lies not just in the technology itself, but in how humans choose to use it.

One of the keynote addresses was delivered by James Boyle, the William Neal Reynolds Professor of Law at Duke University and author of “The Line: AI and the Future of Personhood.” Boyle urged participants to rethink legal and moral boundaries as AI advances, arguing that machines with human-like capacities will force society to confront what it means to be a person. He discussed the need to reconsider legal personhood, not only for biological beings but for entities such as corporations. Boyle also highlighted how encounters with machine intelligence can expose ethical shortcomings and inspire reflection on what entitles beings to moral consideration.

Erich Huang, head of clinical informatics at Verily (Google’s life sciences subsidiary) and chief science & innovation officer for Onduo/Verily, shared insights on the latest trends in AI and their impact on healthcare innovations and human well-being. A surgeon trained at Duke University Hospital, Huang used a trauma case to underscore the limits of today’s AI tools. He emphasized that while algorithms excel at identification and synthesis, they do little to build the culture, incentives, and workflows needed to change clinician and patient behavior. Huang called for higher-quality clinical data, rigorous testing of models for specific tasks, and embedding them in team-based workflows where humans still play a crucial role in delivering care.

Lee Rainie, director of Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center, presented the results of recent public opinion surveys on the impact of AI on key human capacities and traits. Both experts and the public expressed concerns that AI could erode essential aspects of human identity over the next decade. Only creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving drew optimism. Rainie noted that higher levels of education correlated with more pessimistic views, a reversal from earlier technology surveys where educated groups were usually early enthusiasts.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to responsible AI development and a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and digital systems. As AI continues to evolve, the insights and discussions from this event will play a crucial role in shaping a future where technology and humanity coexist harmoniously. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main focus of the summit co-hosted by RTI International and Elon University?

A: The main focus of the summit was to explore the philosophical and practical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on human identity and society, including its impact on education, human agency, creativity, and well-being.

Q: What are some key questions posed during the summit about human identity?

A: Key questions included what it means to be human in the age of AI, whether it is the unique use of language, the demonstration of empathy, or the ability to form communities.

Q: What is Elon University's role in AI research and policy development?

A: Elon University has been a leader in technology research through its Imagining the Digital Future Center. The university has collaborated with over 140 higher education organizations to develop core principles guiding AI policies and practices.

Q: What are some of RTI International's efforts to use AI responsibly?

A: RTI International has developed tools for public health communication, a new AI system for researchers, and a 'digital twin' of the U.S. population to model disease spread and test solutions.

Q: What are the concerns about AI's impact on human capacities and traits, according to the public opinion surveys?

A: Both experts and the public expressed concerns that AI could erode essential aspects of human identity over the next decade. Only creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving drew optimism. 

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