In the beginning (of generative AI) (Changelog Interviews #576)

Feb 2, 2024

Data engineer specializing in generative AI, Joe Reis, discusses the role of a data engineer, AI hype cycle, ethical considerations around AI-generated content, tension between AI and traditional engineering, and the inevitability of AI integration into everything. They also explore build vs buy, disconnect between data analysts and the business, and the importance of focus and staying on track in large organizations. Additionally, they delve into the future of the internet, empowering underrepresented voices with generative AI, and the tension between AI and manual processes.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 4min

Transforming Coordinated Point-to-Point Connectivity into a Unified System

03:37 • 3min

The Evolution of Job Titles in Data Science and Data Engineering

06:28 • 19min

Creating Car Tires from Scratch and the Efficiency of Automated Production

25:43 • 2min

Build vs Buy: Tail Scale for Network Access

27:28 • 6min

The Importance of Focus and Staying on Track

33:41 • 2min

Maintaining Focus and Avoiding Distractions in Large Organizations

35:42 • 2min

The Importance of CEO Communication

37:18 • 19min

Automation, Generative AI, and the Future of the Internet

56:16 • 4min

Empowering Underrepresented Voices with Generative AI

59:56 • 16min

Tension Between AI and Manual Processes

01:16:03 • 6min

Seeking Feedback and Expressing Gratitude to Sponsors

01:22:05 • 3min

This week on The Changelog we’re talking with Joe Reis about data engineering and the beginning of generative AI. We discuss phone hacking via frequency, the role of a data engineer, this AI hype cycle we’re in, build vs buy, the disconnect between data analysts and the business, ethical considerations around AI-generated content, and more. We also discuss the tension between AI and traditional engineering, as well as the inevitability of AI integration into pretty much everything.

Join the discussion

Changelog++ members save 11 minutes on this episode because they made the ads disappear. Join today!

Sponsors:

Synadia – Take NATS to the next level via a global, multi-cloud, multi-geo and extensible service, fully managed by Synadia. They take care of all the infrastructure, management, monitoring, and maintenance for you so you can focus on building exceptional distributed applications.
Tailscale – Adam loves Tailscale! Tailscale is programmable networking software that’s private and secure by default. It’s the easiest way to connect devices and services to each other, wherever they are. Secure, remote access to production, databases, servers, kubernetes, and more. Try Tailscale for free for up to 100 devices and 3 users at changelog.com/tailscale, no credit card required.
Read Write Own – Read, Write, Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet—a new book from entrepreneur and investor Chris Dixon—explores one possible solution to the internet’s authenticity problem: Blockchains. From AI that tracks its source material to generative programs that compensate—rather than cannibalize—creators. It’s a call to action for a more open, transparent, and democratic internet. One that opens the black box of AI, tracks the origins we see online, and much more. Order your copy of Read, Write, Own today at readwriteown.com
Fly.io – The home of Changelog.com — Deploy your apps and databases close to your users. In minutes you can run your Ruby, Go, Node, Deno, Python, or Elixir app (and databases!) all over the world. No ops required. Learn more at fly.io/changelog and check out the speedrun in their docs.

Featuring:

Joe Reis – Website
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!