Alex Hanna

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.

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.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Alex Hanna, a sociologist and director at the Distributed AI Research Institute, teams up with Dr. Emily Bender, a professor of linguistics at the University of Washington. They delve into the hype surrounding AI, questioning whether it's fueling inequality. The conversation takes on the complexities of AI terminology, warning against oversimplification that can obscure risks. They also tackle how biases in technology reinforce systemic issues and critique big tech’s influence over policy, urging a rethinking of the future we want.