Leif Weatherby

Leif Weatherby, an NYU associate professor and author of *Language Machines*, dives into the exciting intersection of AI and language. He explores how large language models (LLMs) redefine traditional structuralist theories and argue for cultural AI's potential. Leif discusses the poetic functions of language in AI, the ideological implications behind data pretraining, and the uncanny outputs generated by LLMs. He critiques remainder humanism and champions a humanism that acknowledges complexity, highlighting the need for creative adaptation in our automated future.

Leif Weatherby, an associate professor at NYU and author of Language Machines, dives into the impact of AI on language and culture. He compares poetry to digital processing, revealing how technology reshapes our understanding of language. The conversation explores early AI interactions, emotional connections with chatbots, and critiques current AI as mere 'plausibility engines.' Weatherby also tackles the complex interplay between video game narratives and societal issues while examining AI's potential cognitive trade-offs in creativity and work.

Ben Recht is a computer science professor at UC Berkeley with expertise in polling, and Leif Weatherby is a German professor and director of NYU's Digital Theory Lab, specializing in political analysis. They explore whether polling can be trusted after a recent election, discussing its inaccuracies and the societal implications of misinterpreting data. The duo critiques the Democratic Party's messaging and the disconnect with voters, while also navigating the potential landscape for 2028 presidential candidates, blending insights with humor throughout.