Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000

The hosts dive into the strange merger of OpenAI with Jony Ive's design firm, stirring up excitement for mysterious new AI products. They critique the glamorization of San Francisco by billionaires and its consequences on livability. The ethical implications of AI in society are explored, including the bizarre use of AI in education and social relationships. Humor meets concern as they analyze the dark side of AI-driven interactions and the reality behind tech myths. Gentrification and its challenges in the city add a poignant layer to the conversation.

Petra Molnar, an anthropologist and immigration lawyer, delves into the impact of AI on border enforcement. She discusses how technology is used to surveil migrants, raising crucial human rights concerns. The conversation reveals the dehumanizing effects of this tech, highlighting its role in the criminalization of asylum seekers. Molnar critiques the profit motives behind companies like Palantir and Amazon, illustrating the chilling consequences of automated systems in our immigration policies. The episode is a thought-provoking examination of ethics and accountability in the age of AI.

The hosts dive into the fantastical predictions of Artificial General Intelligence by 2027, highlighting the wild misconceptions fueling this hype. They humorously tackle the ethical dilemmas and addictive tendencies of AI technologies like ChatGPT, while advocating for a clear distinction between reality and sci-fi fantasies. Discussions on the economic impact of AI, geopolitical dynamics, and the ethical implications of evolving AI capabilities spill over into social critiques. Their upcoming book, 'The AI Con,' further dismantles inflated AI narratives.

Four months of AI chaos lead to some surprisingly upbeat news. The hosts tackle everything from AGI hype to a WSJ bot answering tax queries. They dive into the pitfalls of AI in coding—where tools might replicate bugs instead of fixing them. Education takes center stage as they question AI's role in classrooms. Bill Gates' vision of a two-day workweek sparks humor and skepticism. With community engagement and reflections on AI's societal implications, the discussion is a wild ride through a rapidly evolving landscape.

Margaret Mitchell, a machine learning researcher and chief ethics scientist at an AI startup, joins the hosts to dissect the buzz around AI agents. They discuss the limitations and risks of relying on these so-called assistants, highlighting ethical concerns about accountability in AI deployment. The conversation critiques the hype surrounding AI solutions in industries like marketing and defense, while also exploring the absurdity of 'vibe coding' and the implications of AI in mental health therapy. It's a thought-provoking mix of skepticism and humor.

Nicole Holliday, Acting Associate Professor of Linguistics at UC Berkeley, dives into the world of AI speech analysis tools. She critiques their ability to measure communication and emotions, revealing them as ineffective 'bossware' with little real insight. The conversation explores ethical concerns around privacy, especially for neurodivergent individuals, and discusses the mystification of language inherent in these technologies. Holliday highlights the potential biases in AI tools and the psychological impact of rating metrics like filler words on individuals during meetings.

Emily and Alex read a terrible book so you don't have to! Come for a quick overview of LinkedIn co-founder and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman's opus of magical thinking, 'Superagency: What could possibly go right with our AI future' -- stay for the ridicule as praxis. Plus, why even this tortuous read offers a bit of comfort about the desperate state of the AI boosters.References:The cursèd book itselfAI and the Everything in the Whole Wide World BenchmarkMilitants and Citizens: The Politics of Participatory Democracy in Porto AlegreFresh AI Hell:Parents rationalizing exposing kids to AIUnderage, sexualized celebrity botsBossware a bad look, actuallyCalState faculty union opposes AI initiativeThe kids are alrightCheck out future streams at on Twitch, Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see.Our book, 'The AI Con,' comes out in May! Pre-order now.Subscribe to our newsletter via Buttondown. Follow us!Emily Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender Alex Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex Twitter: @alexhanna Music by Toby Menon.Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park. Production by Christie Taylor.

Raina Bloom, Reference Services Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries, shares her expertise on the unraveling U.S. information ecosystem. She discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in representing diverse viewpoints and the dangers of misinformation. Bloom critiques reliance on AI in journalism, emphasizing journalistic integrity and the risks of AI-generated content. The conversation also highlights the importance of context and historical perspectives in understanding AI biases and the role of technology in managing information.

Joining the discussion is Tamara Kneese, the Director of Climate, Technology, and Justice at the Data & Society Research Institute. She dives into the absurdity of lunar data centers and critiques Silicon Valley's technosolutionist dreams. The conversation also highlights the environmental impact of AI and Bitcoin, addressing the societal backlash against these technologies. Kneese advocates for scientific research over blind faith in innovation, stressing the urgent need for genuine solutions to climate challenges and the preservation of Indigenous languages.

Gina Neff, executive director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, critiques the UK Prime Minister's recent AI investment initiative, highlighting its potential to benefit big tech rather than the economy or workers. She dismantles the 'AI Opportunities Action Plan,' questioning its effectiveness amidst austerity measures. The conversation underscores the urgent need for a regulatory framework prioritizing labor rights and explores the disconnect between AI ambitions and childhood play, revealing a tug-of-war between technology and imagination.