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Emily Bender & Alex Hanna: “The AI Con”
May 3, 2025
Emily Bender, a Linguistics Professor at the University of Washington, and Alex Hanna, a sociologist and Director of Research at DAIR, dive into the AI hype we encounter every day. They clarify the misuse of 'AI' and why community-driven projects may better serve marginalized groups. The conversation unpacks the real-world harms of generative tools, questions the limits of automated creativity, and emphasizes the need for accountability in tech. Their insights reveal a path toward ethical and inclusive AI that reflects diverse voices.
58:53
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Quick takeaways
- The term 'AI' often misrepresents technology, and a more precise language like 'automation' is crucial for reducing hype and enhancing understanding.
- Although large language models offer utility, their unpredictability and ethical dilemmas pose risks, particularly for marginalized communities without clear objectives.
Deep dives
Understanding AI Terminology
The episode emphasizes the confusion surrounding the term 'AI' and proposes that a more accurate descriptor for many technologies currently labeled as AI is 'automation.' Emily Bender argues that this broader term captures a wider range of technologies while highlighting the incoherence in the way AI is used in the tech industry. Instead of using the generic term, it's suggested that we specify the technology in question, such as 'image generation' or 'automatic transcription,' to better convey its functions. This change in language is aimed at reducing hype and fostering a clearer understanding of the capabilities of various systems.
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