Alex Hanna

Emily M. Bender is a linguistics professor at the University of Washington, while Alex Hanna is the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Institute. Together, they delve into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding generative AI. They critique how the industry keeps the public engaged despite failed promises. The discussion includes the implications of AI in education, emphasizing critical thinking over commercialization. They advocate for greater accountability in AI's development and stress that the future of technology is not predetermined, encouraging public engagement.

Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor at the University of Washington, and Alex Hanna, Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute, dive deep into AI's environmental impacts and ethical dilemmas. They challenge the sustainability claims of tech giants, revealing the hidden costs of large language models. The duo debates whether AI tools are genuinely beneficial or just sophisticated tricks, critiquing benchmark practices and discussing the implications of AI in fields like medicine. Their candid exchange leaves listeners questioning the true cost of generative AI.

In a thought-provoking conversation, linguist Emily Bender and AI researcher Alex Hanna challenge the inflated promises of AI technologies in their new book, 'The AI Con'. They discuss the misleading narratives around AI's artistic capabilities, questioning the illusion of creativity it presents. The duo emphasizes the importance of confronting current AI-related challenges, like bias and environmental impact. They also highlight the need for community-focused AI development, urging a balanced perspective on technology's true potential.

Emily M. Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington, while Alex Hanna leads research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. They discuss their new book, which critiques the exaggerated hype surrounding AI and advocates for a more realistic view of its societal impact. The conversation highlights AI's effects on labor, the importance of worker advocacy, and the challenges of algorithm-driven governance. They also share insights on promoting critical thinking in education and their commitment to fighting misinformation.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Hanna, Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), dives into the complexities of AI hype and its societal impacts. He delves into the origins of AI excitement and how it drives commercialization. Alex also sheds light on DAIR's innovative projects, including language technologies for low-resource languages in Ethiopia. The conversation tackles crucial topics like the politics of data sets and the ethical challenges in AI data sourcing, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation and community engagement.

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.

AI researchers Alex Hanna and Emily M. Bender discuss the flaws of the Turing Test in sci-fi and reality. They explore the gendered aspects of AI evolution and test AI intelligence. Later, the podcast delves into the concept of domestication, drawing parallels between breeding dogs, humans, and AI.

In a lively discussion, Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor known for her critical views on AI, and Alex Hanna, a leader in AI ethics, delve into the murky waters of AI and copyright law. They highlight the inconsistencies of the Copyright Office regarding AI training and fair use rights. With a humorous nod to kitchen choices and the absurdities of tech regulations, the conversation spans the necessity for diverse viewpoints in navigating AI’s future while pondering the ethical complexities and societal implications of rapid tech advancements.

Emily Bender is a linguist from the University of Washington known for coining the term 'stochastic parrots,' while Alex Hanna, previously an AI ethicist at Google, now directs research at the Distributed AI Institute. They dissect the inflated expectations surrounding AI, urging a critical reassessment of its true capabilities. From the pitfalls of viewing AI as a creative force to its environmental impacts, they stress the need for responsible tech development that prioritizes real community benefits and addresses pressing societal issues.

Emily Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington, and Alex Hanna is the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. They argue that large language models are just 'stochastic parrots', lacking true understanding. The duo critiques the hype surrounding AI, highlighting the marketing tactics that create fear of missing out. They call for community-controlled technology over corporate centralization, advocating for innovations that empower users instead of exploiting them.