Because Language - a podcast about linguistics, the science of language.
118: The A.I. Con (with Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna)
May 12, 2025
Emily M. Bender, a linguist and professor, and Alex Hanna, a sociologist leading research at DARE, dive into the con of AI hype. They humorously recount their podcasting journey, lament the intrusive AI features imposed by tech companies, and stress the importance of questioning AI’s role in daily life. The discussion highlights the sociological risks of AI companions, misinformation’s impact, and the need for human oversight in AI applications. They advocate for collective action to ensure technology benefits society and addresses bias in research.
51:26
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the problematic reliance on AI technologies, which often overlook simpler, more efficient solutions available in existing processes.
- The co-hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking and collective action to challenge the exaggerated claims surrounding AI and its implementations.
Deep dives
The Origins of Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000
The co-hosts of the podcast initially engaged in hype-busting efforts through various written formats, such as blog posts and op-eds, but found that some subjects warranted a more engaging medium. They were inspired to start their podcast after receiving the suggestion to adopt a 'Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment' for lengthy discussions. By translating their previous work into a conversational format, they created an opportunity to address complex topics dynamically and in real-time. This transition not only involved streaming their discussions live but also led to a more polished final product with help from a professional producer.
