Factually! with Adam Conover Two Computer Scientists Debunk A.I. Hype with Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor
Oct 2, 2024
In this discussion, Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, computer scientists at Princeton and authors of a revealing book on AI, debunk the overblown hype surrounding artificial intelligence. They clarify how much of what’s marketed as AI is actually just clever narratives or low-paid human labor. Dive into their insights on the environmental fallout of large models, the misconceptions about AI's capabilities, and the broader implications for society. Their critical take empowers listeners to navigate the murky waters of tech claims with skepticism.
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AI Snake Oil Origin
- Arvind Narayanan found AI products making outlandish claims, like predicting job suitability from 30-second videos.
- This prompted his "snake oil" metaphor, leading to research with Sayash Kapoor.
Research Focus
- Arvind and Sayash's research focuses on comparing developer claims with technical realities of AI.
- They often find overblown claims based on errors, like in civil war prediction models.
Media's AI Robot Imagery
- Media often uses robot imagery for AI articles, even for simple spreadsheets.
- Editors prioritize clicks over accuracy, contributing to AI hype.