Birmingham · Waterstones
Hosted by Waterstones
Explore how conversational AI can improve everyday life, and where it can become dangerous, with Jamie Bartlett in Birmingham on 29 September 2026. At this one-hour Waterstones event, tech commentator Jamie Bartlett will examine one of the fastest technological shifts in modern history through the ideas in his book, How to Talk to AI. The discussion will offer a practical and critical perspective on how people can benefit from powerful AI systems while resisting manipulation, loss of control and potentially harmful effects. What the conversation will cover Hundreds of millions of people now interact with tools such as ChatGPT every day. They use chatbots to organise finances and holidays, increase productivity, ask for advice, seek therapy and even pursue relationships. These systems are already reshaping society, politics and business, yet many people still have only a limited understanding of how they work or influence human behaviour. Drawing on How to Talk to AI, Bartlett will explore both sides of this transformation, including: - How to communicate with AI more effectively - Ways AI can support work, decision-making and everyday tasks - How chatbots are changing the way people live, feel and think - The risks of manipulation, conspiracy theories, delusions and psychosis - Why staying in control of increasingly powerful AI companions matters The central question is not simply what AI can do, but how people can use it without surrendering judgement or autonomy. Format and audience Jamie Bartlett will take part in an in-conversation session, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. This makes the evening particularly relevant to readers, professionals, business leaders and anyone curious or concerned about AI’s growing role in daily life. The subject has broad, non-technical relevance: the book’s premise is that knowing how, and how not, to speak to AI is becoming a necessary skill for everyone. The event runs in English from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at Waterstones, 24–26 High Street, Birmingham. Listed ticket options include £5 admission for Waterstones Plus cardholders, £6 general admission and a £15 book-and-ticket option.… Register for this event
