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 Bender and Alex Hanna, authors of 'AI The Con,' delve into the myths surrounding AI technology. They simplify how systems like ChatGPT work, comparing them to ‘synthetic text extruding machines’ built from basic origins. The duo critiques the hype, especially regarding AI’s role in education, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach as it can complicate academic integrity. Additionally, they discuss the ethical implications of massive datasets and advocate for a community-oriented mindset in integrating AI into learning environments.

Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and influential figure in AI, teams up with Alex Hanna, director of research at DAIR, to dissect the misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence. They discuss the urgent need for clarity in AI terminology and the societal impact of technology hype. The duo challenges the dichotomy between optimistic and pessimistic views on AI and highlights how educators must navigate its impact on teaching and student engagement. Their insights encourage a community-focused approach to understanding and regulating AI developments.

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 this engaging discussion, guests Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist, Alex Hanna, Director of Research at DARE, and Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor, dive into the hype surrounding artificial intelligence. They debunk misleading AI marketing, revealing its manipulative nature, and highlight the critical role of journalism in fostering public awareness. The trio explores AI's ties to colonialism and environmental issues while advocating for equitable tech practices. They emphasize the importance of empowerment and local narratives in shaping AI policy and challenging industry narratives.