March 2023: Chat GPT3, Pura Vida and Swifties
Chat GPT3 wrote this header
As we travel further into 2023, it appears that the hype cycle for AI isn’t dying down anytime soon. So here are my three favourite takes over the past month about what is going on:
New Yorker — ChatGPT Is a Blurry JPEG of the Web
Any article that starts by explaining a photocopying bug has my attention. Turns out that a digital Xerox machine is a pretty useful comparison to what ChatGPT3 is: a compressed, low-quality version of the internet. So why not explore the one we have?
Tom Scott — ‘I tried using AI. It scared me’
Tom Scott is a legend who has made some of the best content on Youtube (besides this ofc). His uneasiness towards AI is well articulated and grounded. He discusses one of the most unsettling parts of this AI hype — not knowing where we currently stand. This could just be the beginning or we could be expressing the peak, both of which have very different outcomes. Shout out to Napster too.
Vice — ChatGPT Is a Bullshit Generator Waging Class War
Dan Quillion is the author of ‘An anarchist approach to AI’, one of the most revolutionary responses I have read to AI. In his article for Vice, he sets out an incredibly compelling argument that the roots of AI can be found in colonialism and imperialism. Oh, and it also amplifies existing structures of oppression and violence, and recreates class divide.
What I like about these three takes is how they resist any science fiction routes and talk plainly about what tools we are seeing. They aren’t made of magic or come from Skynet. By refusing to engage with these new AI tools as inevitable, it gives us space to reflect on what they are doing for society. How they are replicating the most common mistakes of the past and refusing to give us space to imagine a different future.
You go talk to your friends, talk my friends, talk to me
It’s mind boggling to think of all the ways technology has changed how we communicate. And fandoms have played a huge part in that. We have a shared language with strangers because of common passions, be it Game of Thrones or Liverpool FC. So I enjoyed this article exploring the way language binds Taylor Swift fans together and creates community. All hail the swifties (especially if they can take down Ticketmaster).
I Predict a Riot
Find out how dangerous a police department might rate you with this short quiz. It’s a great campaign from NGO Fair Trial, who are fighting against predictive policing and the unjust use of algorithms in the justice system. We love short creative interventions like this to bring ideas to life!
Stop Killer Robots
Last month we were invited to Costa Rica to speak at Stop Killer Robots’s inaugural digital dehumanisation conference. Over two days we discussed autonomous weapon systems and how we can stop them. Bringing together delegates and supporters from around the world, it was an inspiring space to be in. And y’know, the 23 degree sunshine wasn’t bad either. Find out more about what they’re up to here and how to support their cause here.
This is totally unrelated. But still great:
- Thank you to Athena and some amazing editors for my new favourite Superbowl advert
- Somerset House in London hosted a weekend of exploring creative AI. They had some pretty cool stuff including this art project.
- If you’re also watching The Last of Us, then this write-up about the game is well worth your time
