Tech Won't Save Us Data Vampires: Sacrificing for AI (Episode 3)
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Oct 21, 2024 Dan McQuillan, a Lecturer at Goldsmiths University and author of 'Resisting AI', dives into the dark side of generative AI. He discusses the immense energy consumption and environmental impact of AI technologies. McQuillan critiques the power shift as technology dominates societal structures, emphasizing the urgency of addressing rising inequalities. The conversation reveals how major tech companies manipulate climate narratives while expanding their influence, raising alarm about the societal costs of their ambitions.
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AI's Energy Demands
- Sam Altman admits AI's massive energy needs require a technological energy breakthrough.
- He suggests this breakthrough could be fusion, cheaper solar, or even geoengineering.
Generative vs. Extractive AI
- Generative AI, unlike simpler forms, creates content from scratch, increasing computational needs.
- This shift to generation, even for tasks better suited for extraction, is computationally expensive.
Big Tech's AI Strategy
- Big Tech invests in AI startups not just for profit, but to steer development and gain early access.
- This cements their control as other companies, adopting AI, become dependent on their cloud services.