The Data Fix with Dr. Mél Hogan Con, with Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna
8 snips
Jul 28, 2025 
Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and co-author of 'Against AI', teams up with Alex Hanna, the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute, to unpack the myths surrounding artificial intelligence. They dive into the misleading narratives of AI, exploring how claims around LLMs can misguide industries like education and healthcare. The conversation covers the economic implications of AGI and critiques the effectiveness of therapy chatbots, revealing the often overlooked social and ecological costs of AI technologies.
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The AI Con Explained
- The 'AI con' exaggerates what large language models can do, portraying them as more capable than just text predictors.
- It also anthropomorphizes these systems, falsely suggesting they possess intelligence or agency.
AI Language Is Form Only
- AI language models operate only on linguistic 'form,' not meaning, unlike humans who infer deep meaning based on context.
- Users mistakenly attribute intelligence to these systems due to automation bias and their compelling language output.
Focus on AI's Structural Role
- Individual use of AI tools often reflects systemic issues like underfunding or structural pressures.
- The critique should focus on the political economy driving AI adoption, not individual user's choices.
