Laura Bates The New Age of Sexism

The emergence of AI and cutting-edge technologies is poised to influence every facet of our existence. In terms of women’s rights and protections, it is evident that sexism is deeply embedded, rather than a mere flaw, in numerous digital environments. In her latest work, Laura Bates, the insightful and forward-thinking author of *Men Who Hate Women*, guides us through the implications of this already-present reality for the battle against misogyny and the broader quest for emancipation.

Enter a realm where:
– Young girls, styled as grown women, perform for groups of adult male viewers.
– Unbeknownst to you, a fabricated pornographic deepfake image or video featuring your likeness circulates online.
– Men design ‘ideal’ AI companions that reside on their devices, tailored to precise specifications—from physical attributes like breast size and eye color to personality traits—yet unable to refuse their demands.

This is not a distant vision. Technologies like sex robots, chatbots, and the metaverse are already here and rapidly expanding.

We are thrilled to invite Laura back to Edinburgh for the Scottish debut of *The New Age of Sexism*. Join us for an evening filled with revealing insights, vital narratives, and critical discussions essential for everyone’s safety. Laura will be joined by writer and researcher Gemma Milne for an engaging dialogue.

**About Our Speaker:**
Laura Bates earned her degree in English from Cambridge University and later became a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in publications such as the Guardian, the Independent, the New Statesman, Red Magazine, and Grazia. She also contributes to Women Under Siege, a New York-based group dedicated to addressing sexual violence as a weapon of war in conflict areas globally. Laura founded the Everyday Sexism Project.

**About Our Chair:**
Gemma Milne is a writer and researcher specializing in the political economy, cultural dynamics, and societal impacts of science and technology. She authored *Smoke & Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It*, conducts research in Science and Technology Studies and Economic Sociology at the University of Glasgow, and has contributed to publications like The Guardian, WIRED, Forbes, and the BBC. She co-hosts the Radical Science podcast.

**Event Details:**
This is a ticketed event.