Jarno Alastalo

I examine technology from a human perspective: how artificial intelligence, social media and algorithms shape humanity, identity and values. I don’t ask how AI works, but what it does to us. AI is talked about from the extremes. On one side, hype: AI makes everything efficient and saves everything. On the other, determinism: AI will destroy us, and it has already been decided. Both extremes share the same assumption. The machine is the one that acts, and the human is the one it happens to. What is most valuable in us is not speed or memory, but slowness, fallibility and curious wonder. Behind this is a long career as a journalist. I co-founded the Suomi24 community, led Aller Media’s online business and built the Heimo community service, where even introverts dared to open up. I am a social introvert and, according to YLE Radio Suomi and Finnish regional newspapers, Finland’s leading cat video expert. My lectures have been heard by, among others, media executives, government ministries, staff of large corporations, youth workers, teachers, students, social and healthcare professionals and local residents. My specialty is speaking to educators, youth workers and teachers about how AI and algorithms shape young people’s everyday lives, identities and agency. I make difficult technology topics understandable. My talks combine research, clear storytelling and practical examples, and they are visual and game-like. I don’t preach or frighten, but help people see familiar things with new eyes. Highlights: * Non-fiction book Musta laatikko – Tekoälyttömyyden ajan alku (The Black Box – The Beginning of the Age of AI-Mindlessness, Avain 2026) * Chair of the Board, Sopiva – Sovittelujournalistit ry (Finnish association for mediation journalism) * Chair of the Board, Media Industry Research Foundation of Finland (2022–2023) * Shareholder (2014–) and Board Member (2014–2023), IRC-Galleria * Founder of the Suomi24 community (1999–2002) – at one time Finland’s largest online community * Director of Digital Business, Aller Media (2002–2014); brought Suomi24 to Aller through an acquisition and led it (2010–2014) * Clients include the Finnish National Agency for Education, the Deaconess Foundation, Humak University of Applied Sciences and Zalaris * Keynote, 20th International Tool Fair (2026) * Interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat, Yle, MTV and Vogue Italia, among others