The Brian Lehrer Show

A.J. Jacobs Tries Life Without AI

Nov 3, 2025
A. J. Jacobs, author known for his immersive experiments and host of the Hello Puzzlers podcast, shares insights from his 48-hour stint without AI. He humorously details the surprising pervasiveness of AI in daily life, from automated customer service to smart infrastructure. Jacobs dons 1970s attire and uses typewriters, illustrating his commitment to the experiment. He calls for transparency and regulation around AI's role in society, emphasizing the need to balance its benefits with privacy concerns.
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INSIGHT

AI Hides In Plain Sight

  • AI is already woven into almost every part of daily life, often invisibly.
  • A.J. Jacobs found nearly everything from transit to entertainment relied on machine learning.
INSIGHT

Machine Learning Is The Everyday AI

  • Machine learning is the older, pervasive form of AI that adapts behavior over time.
  • Jacobs likens it to a recipe that shifts ingredients based on what people prefer, affecting Netflix, Facebook, and infrastructure.
ANECDOTE

Writing By Candlelight On A Typewriter

  • Jacobs went full Amish for power and wrote by candlelight on a typewriter because his laptop contained AI features.
  • He specifically cited the battery optimizer as an example of embedded machine learning in modern devices.
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