AI:The Terrifying Future or Our Next Great Ally? | Mortadha Manai | TEDxSouthMediterraneanUniversity
Artificial Intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented rate, reshaping industries and
revolutionizing the way we live. However, with this rapid advancement comes a growing fear
of AI systems making critical decisions without human oversight, deepening biases, invading
privacy, and even threatening job security. As AI becomes more powerful, the lack of
transparency in its decision-making process creates uncertainty and mistrust. But is AI truly
a force to be feared, or can it be harnessed for the greater good? In this talk, we will
explore the dark side of AI, the alarming challenges it presents, and the crucial role of
Explainable AI (XAI) in ensuring a safe, ethical, and controlled AI-driven future. By
making AI transparent and accountable, we can transform it from a potential threat into a
trustworthy ally that serves humanity. Mr. Manai Mortadha is a Senior AI Engineer, XAI Researcher, and CEO with a passion for Artificial Intelligence, Explainable AI (XAI), and Generative AI.
Currently, he serves as an XAI Engineer at Netflix. In parallel, he is an XAI Researcher at Saint Mary’s University, Canada, where he conducts cutting-edge research on explainability in AI auditing, social neural networks, and the intersection of AI and human decision-making. As the CEO of Man.AI, Mr. Manai leads a team of AI experts in delivering innovative AI-driven solutions. Beyond his technical contributions, he is a recognized International AI speaker, mentor, and consultant, actively engaging with the global AI community through conferences, panel discussions, and mentorship programs. His expertise has been showcased at more than 70 international AI events, including This Year 2025 - Michigan Technology Conference , Saint Louis STL TechWeek, Apres-Cyber Slopes Summit , Azure AI Connect and the Pacific Hackers Conference. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 16:07A Manifesto | Jackï Job | TEDxUCTThis talk draws from the everyday to develop her self-devised performance methodologies, with a particular focus on finding new meanings of personhood and transformation in South Africa. It incorporates her ongoing research which is concerned with re-imagining the significance and perception of the body beyond its socio-political and humancentric constructions. Dr. jackï job is a dancer and choreographer, theatre-maker and director, producer, and academic researcher, specialising in Practice as Research and notions of Performance as Philosophy at the University of Cape Town. Her predominantly independent career has been eclectic, ranging from experimental solo dance works, directing classical operas and theatre productions, to choreographing commercials and hosting television shows. Her oeuvre holds more than 70 original productions, as well as tours and collaborations with an array of eclectic artists and scholars, in Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies at the University of Cape Town. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:33Social Media: Building Bridges or Walls? | Nina (Ziqing) Bian | TEDxIGBIS YouthIn this insightful TEDx Talk, Nina explores how social media acts as both a bridge and a wall in our relationships. While it allows us to communicate instantly with people around the world, it can also disconnect us from real, meaningful face-to-face interactions. Hi, I’m Nina, and I’m 12 years old, currently in Grade 7. This is my 8th year in IGBIS and third year joining TEDx Youth. I was born in China but moved to Malaysia at the age of 5. Malaysia is like my new home, where I discover new interests and hobbies like dance, art and math. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:16How Generative AI Programmes Can be Positively Used in Academic Spheres | Alexa Shneier | TEDxUCTAlexa's talk focuses on how new technology can be used to empower these marginalized voices and bring forth their truths through artificial intelligence. Alexa is currently in her second year of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English, History and French. Her passion is classics and despite it being a white male dominated field, Alexa is always on the lookout for untold stories in ancient Rome or mythical Greece that can enrich our understanding of the past. She believes that with the help of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, marginalized voices can be given a platform to share their truths and experiences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 1:21Women in Sports | Zoe (Xiaoran) Shi | TEDxIGBIS YouthSports can make people healthy and teach us important life skills. My Ted Talk is about women in sports. It’s about why there should be more sports teams and opportunities. Because only 12% of people who play sports as professionals are WOMEN!!! We can change this by giving girls the same opportunities as boys to play sports. Hi! My name is Xiaoran Shi, you can call me Zoe, I’m 11 years old, born in China. I have been in IGBIS for 3 years and this is my first time giving a TEDx talk. My hobbies are crocheting, drawing and many different sports! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:23Adopt, Don’t Shop – Changing Lives One Pet at a Time | Ira Ng | TEDxIGBIS YouthIn this eye-opening TEDx Talk, Ira discusses the harsh realities behind the pet trade. From the hidden cruelty of puppy mills to the heartbreaking statistics of abandoned animals, this talk sheds light on why adopting from shelters is a life-changing decision—not just for the animals, but for us as a society. Hi! I’m Ira and I’m in grade 6. I was born here in Malaysia and I have lived here all my life. I like huge RVs that I can camp in and frogs. My hobbies are reading, playing football, and eating other people’s food. I play football and I get injured a lot but it’s okay because I’m strong. Definitely. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 20:30WE Are Infectious | Clarisse Poon | TEDxJXEFLS YouthThe speaker talked about how young people are influenced by their peers and transform this influence into a positive social force—volunteer service. During the epidemic, she was infected by her friends and began to provide support to poor families. She gradually combined her skills with volunteer service and founded the "Light Their Rights" organization to promote educational equality and youth volunteerism. Through free courses and exchange programs, the organization allows students from disadvantaged groups to access extracurricular education such as music, debate, and STEM, while also inspiring more young people to join the ranks of volunteers. The speaker emphasized the unique advantages of young people as volunteers: close psychological distance with children, more time to invest, and strong "contagion" to influence and drive others. She hopes to inspire more people to start the road of volunteering and infect more people to act together by sharing her own experience. Clarisse Poon is a Grade 10 student at St. Paul’s Co-educational College in Hong Kong. Recognized as Dr. Anissa Chan Student of the Year for 3 consecutive years and Top 10 HK Outstanding Teen, her accolades include the Grand Student Innovation Award at HKICT Awards, High Distinction in John Locke Essay Competition, and representing HK at Oxford Schools’ Debate. As Founder and President of Light Their Rights, an NGO founded in 2020 to promote educational equality and youth volunteering, she has spearheaded initiatives like STEM courses for Zambian children and village school exchanges. Clarisse has been invited to speak at HK Legal Week, HK SDG Summit, Principals’ Forum, etc. She also strives to address social issues at a legislative level, earning 1st prize in National Constitution Competition, selected to draft policies for a Policy Address, and present at Legislative Council meetings on issues like child abuse. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx