AI can substantially improve human performance, but successful performance with AI does not necessarily translate into stronger learning. Growing evidence suggests that AI assistance can reduce the cognitive and metacognitive engagement needed to develop durable knowledge and skills, particularly when people delegate activity without adequately monitoring or evaluating AI contributions. This talk examines what happens to learning when performance is increasingly supported by

Researchers from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Indonesia, and beyond gathered in mid-August at the Tsinghua University Southeast Asia Center in Bali, Indonesia, for “AI & Humans — Shaping the Future,” a two-day international academic conference co-organised by HKU and Tsinghua on the relationship between artificial intelligence and human development. Led by the AI, Society & Social Dynamics strategic research theme (SRT) at HKU, as well as the University’s Departments of P

[Ming Pao News] As artificial intelligence chatbots (AI chatbots) have evolved, beyond handling information-related queries, an increasing number of people are turning to AI to confide their inner thoughts—seeking advice on romantic breakups, workplace confusion, and dealing with low moods. Renowned neuroscientist and University of Hong Kong (HKU) Department of Psychology Professor Benjamin Becker described this phenomenon as “fraught with both risks and opportunities.” He no

We are thrilled to share that Prof. Benjamin Becker has been awarded the prestigious Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) for 2026/27 by the Research Grants Council (RGC). Out of only 10 fellowships awarded across all Hong Kong universities in this highly competitive round, two were secured by HKU's Faculty of Social Sciences—including Prof. Becker’s project on human-AI interaction. Project Title: A Multi-Level Framework for Understanding Huma

The Faculty hosted the lunch chat “AI, Brains, Scams and Your Future Career” on April 10, 2026 at the Social Sciences Function Room. Co‑organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the event was open to the public and all HKU members. The lunch chat brought together speakers from government, industry, and academia, including Mr Alan Au, Executive Director (Banking Conduct), HKMA; Mr Michael Yung, Strategic Advisor, Google Cloud; Mr Jared Jiang, Deputy General Manag