My Students Think They're Air Fryers/What is AI Doing to Our Thinking

What happens when artificial intelligence begins shaping our classrooms, workplaces, governments, and even our understanding of truth? In this episode of African Discoveries, powered by the UJ Methods Lab, we sit down with Nasreen Watson, philosopher, AI governance advisor, TEDx speaker, and thought leader in ethical artificial intelligence. As AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and other generative technologies become part of everyday life, societies across the world are grappling with urgent questions: Can AI be trusted? Who is accountable when algorithms cause harm? Are current AI systems reinforcing existing inequalities? And what does responsible AI governance look like from an African perspective? Drawing on her work in philosophy, education, governance, and organisational ethics, Nasreen explores the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in Africa. The conversation examines digital literacy, algorithmic bias, AI in education, data ownership, the role of Ubuntu in AI ethics, and the growing need for African-centred approaches to technology governance. We also discuss recent controversies surrounding AI-generated misinformation, including the South African AI policy citation scandal, and ask what these incidents reveal about trust, accountability, and the future of knowledge in an age of intelligent machines. Whether you are a student, researcher, policymaker, educator, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important technological and ethical questions of our time.