Interdependence
Interdependence 9: Kate Crawford (AI Now)
Jun 22, 2020
Kate Crawford, founder of the AI Now Institute and a leading voice on the political implications of AI, dives into the hidden complexities of artificial intelligence. She discusses how platforms like Amazon Echo exploit human and ecological resources and critiques the power dynamics of platform capitalism. The conversation also covers data-driven hiring biases, the impact of algorithmic feedback on communication, and the socio-economic disparities amplified by technology. Crawford's insights provide a thought-provoking look at the intersection of AI, society, and political power.
47:06
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding AI requires a holistic analysis of the political, social, and economic forces that shape its development and application.
- The Anatomy of AI project highlights the labor exploitation and ecological costs inherent in the seemingly simple technologies like voice-enabled devices.
Deep dives
The Political Framework of AI
Artificial intelligence must be understood within its political context, as it is significantly shaped by social, economic, and ecological structures. Defining AI through corporate branding, such as associating it with well-known tech products, can distort perceptions and limit discussions about its underlying implications. This framing often leads to an overestimation of AI's reliability and rationality, positioning it as a decision-maker in high-stakes areas like healthcare and policing. Understanding AI requires a broader materialist analysis that considers the vast resources and labor it necessitates, ultimately exposing it as a registry of power that serves existing dominant interests.
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