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119 reviews for:
The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want
Emily M. Bender, Alex Hanna
4.13 AVERAGE
119 reviews for:
The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want
Emily M. Bender, Alex Hanna
4.13 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
This is a shorter but really well-done book about why a lot of the hype around “AI” is basically bullshit, both from the side promoting it as a magic tool that can do everything and from the side talking about humanity-destroying superintelligence.
I really liked how the book started off with a clear definition of what “AI” actually is, to get a clear understanding about how these systems (especially LLMs) actually work and what it actually does, which really helped set a tone of realism throughout. This also really helped when they dove in to the tangible, real world effects of the development of these models. I already knew about the environmental and some of the workplace implications, but hearing about the harm inflicted on poorly paid gig workers in the majority world opened my eyes to the human cost of these models even existing, before anyone uses it.
Definitely a good read for anyone who is interested or scared of “AI”, or who wants to gain a broader understanding of the real-world impact we are seeing right now. Especially as the US government plans to ramp up its investment in data centres and “AI”, it will be so important to be informed about the costs of buying into the hype.
I really liked how the book started off with a clear definition of what “AI” actually is, to get a clear understanding about how these systems (especially LLMs) actually work and what it actually does, which really helped set a tone of realism throughout. This also really helped when they dove in to the tangible, real world effects of the development of these models. I already knew about the environmental and some of the workplace implications, but hearing about the harm inflicted on poorly paid gig workers in the majority world opened my eyes to the human cost of these models even existing, before anyone uses it.
Definitely a good read for anyone who is interested or scared of “AI”, or who wants to gain a broader understanding of the real-world impact we are seeing right now. Especially as the US government plans to ramp up its investment in data centres and “AI”, it will be so important to be informed about the costs of buying into the hype.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
sad
Handy, brief explainer of a lot of things you probably already suspect about why the hype around automation technology is stupid bullshit.
dark
informative
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
informative
medium-paced
slow-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
“The development of Mass Automation Tools is not socially desirable…these technologies serve as a means of centralizing power, amassing data, and generating profit rather than providing technology that is socially beneficial. In other words, this is a choice; one being made by powerful interests but one that the rest of us do not have to go along with. Thus, we reject this ‘inevitability’ out of hand.”
My bias going in: I think AI innovation is a stupid thing to pursue. It’s a misnomer since “intelligence” should be measured by what novel creations or experiences can be generated not simply what is memorized and repeated. Relying on generative AI for creative endeavors only makes sense if we collectively agree that everything worth making was made by 2023. The widespread embrace of AI in this era as a solve-all solution while it fuels widespread layoffs across industries has made me Luddite-curious.
This book presents a well-researched argument that I was correct in my skepticism. It also goes further into aspects that I hadn’t considered before like the direct link between AI promotion and a modern day eugenics movement. The promoters of AI are ignoring reasonable criticisms and the real harm “AI Hype” is doing right now by imagining science fiction scenarios that are nowhere close to taking shape.
Altogether, the book is fascinating, engaging, and offers thoughtful calls to action. I would recommend it higher except the dry academic language made the pace slow down more than I like.
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced