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A review by adrianhon
New Dark Age: Technology and the End of the Future by James Bridle
4.0
I’m grateful to Will Self for his review, because I basically agree with it entirely: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jun/30/new-dark-age-by-james-bridle-review-technology-and-the-end-of-the-future
Which is to say: it’s very smart and full of interesting things, some of which were new to me, but I don’t know how convinced I am that accepting the fundamental inscrutability of AI/tech complexity is useful; or what ‘system literacy’ will do.
Relatedly: It’s hard to write about contemporary tech in a way that doesn’t result in your informed laypeople already knowing most of the examples (not just the GPS-addled drivers going off a cliff, but also the creepy Peppa Pig stuff). I don’t have a solution!
But: it is very well-written and Bridle has a beautiful turn of phrase. I don’t regret reading it, and most people will find a fair few good ideas to chew on.
Which is to say: it’s very smart and full of interesting things, some of which were new to me, but I don’t know how convinced I am that accepting the fundamental inscrutability of AI/tech complexity is useful; or what ‘system literacy’ will do.
Relatedly: It’s hard to write about contemporary tech in a way that doesn’t result in your informed laypeople already knowing most of the examples (not just the GPS-addled drivers going off a cliff, but also the creepy Peppa Pig stuff). I don’t have a solution!
But: it is very well-written and Bridle has a beautiful turn of phrase. I don’t regret reading it, and most people will find a fair few good ideas to chew on.