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teabrewer's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Very well researched, extremely informative, and not sensacionalist. The author knows what she is talking about and is careful to explain the subject like it really is. It's funny and playful without belittling the reader. Honestly, one of the best nonfiction I've ever read, and did I read a lot of it. I recomend it for people in the field, for the humor, inside jokes and to fill the little knowledge gaps, and to nonexperts that want a relativly deep and comprehensive but accesible introduction to the subject.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism and Racism
rorikae's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.75
'You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It's Making the World a Weirder Place' by Janelle Shane is a really fun look at how AI/machine learning works and the interesting things that it can and can't do.
Shane looks at different aspects of machine learning, including how scientists train AIs, the ridiculous results produced by AIs, and real world applications for how AIs work. She does an excellent job of balancing information and humor while also delving into the downsides to AI. I particularly appreciated how she explores bias and how AIs pick up on the unconscious biases of the scientists who train them as well as society as a whole.
Shane presents a look at AIs that counters the fear of AIs taking over the world and subjugating humanity. She looks into the playful and silly sides of AI while also demonstrating how far we are from any semblance of machine learning that could actually 'think' for itself.
My favorite aspect of this book are the AI generated lists that Shane shares. From potential cat names to ice cream flavors, they act as both a really funny look at AIs while also demonstrating how AIs work or don't. My absolute favorite list was of potential Halloween costumes. They are both hilarious while also posing some costumes that I would love to see.
If you have any interest in AI/machine learning, I think this is a great introduction. I am interested to see what Shane writes in the future as I think she is great at balancing humor with clear explanations for complex topics.
Shane looks at different aspects of machine learning, including how scientists train AIs, the ridiculous results produced by AIs, and real world applications for how AIs work. She does an excellent job of balancing information and humor while also delving into the downsides to AI. I particularly appreciated how she explores bias and how AIs pick up on the unconscious biases of the scientists who train them as well as society as a whole.
Shane presents a look at AIs that counters the fear of AIs taking over the world and subjugating humanity. She looks into the playful and silly sides of AI while also demonstrating how far we are from any semblance of machine learning that could actually 'think' for itself.
My favorite aspect of this book are the AI generated lists that Shane shares. From potential cat names to ice cream flavors, they act as both a really funny look at AIs while also demonstrating how AIs work or don't. My absolute favorite list was of potential Halloween costumes. They are both hilarious while also posing some costumes that I would love to see.
If you have any interest in AI/machine learning, I think this is a great introduction. I am interested to see what Shane writes in the future as I think she is great at balancing humor with clear explanations for complex topics.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Cursing, and Racism
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