Humanizing voice AI at UCLA Communication 50th Anniversary

UCLA's Department of Communication celebrated its 50th anniversary by hosting "The Bridge to Humanizing AI," an interactive event that explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in communication and human connection. Central to the experience was a digital avatar of Martine Rothblatt, featuring an AI-generated voice developed with ElevenLabs technology, which allowed participants to engage in conversations that highlighted the impact of realism, tone, and visual embodiment on trust and understanding. The event also included a panel discussion featuring Rothblatt, Ray Kurzweil, and UCLA faculty, focusing on the legacy and future of AI in communication, challenges such as anthropomorphizing intelligent systems, and AI-driven echo chambers. Supported by the ElevenLabs Impact Program, which provides free access to voice AI for educational and research purposes, the event demonstrated how theoretical inquiries into AI can be transformed into experiential learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding human interaction with AI as these systems become more integrated into daily life.