Artificial intelligence is (now) a social issue
A tool is never neutral. AI has become first and foremost a social and societal issue. We need to understand and resist now.
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The Ulgy Truth
100% of so-called AI services are calls to OpenAI APIs or similar. All developers know this. They might probably not admit it publicly.
The actual figure must be around 95%, depending on how you define AI. First-order estimate is 100% then.
Call me an AI sceptic if you like
I build programs and understand maths and computer science, right. And I am a (proud) father and citizen, and I see the possible misuses of AI tools. My conviction has grown stronger. Call me a disbeliever if you like
Over the past 10 years, I have seen artificial intelligence move from public and private R&D laboratories to the general public and the TF1 news. Rigour and science have been forgotten in favour of speculation, fantasy and even lies.
This situation motivates me to speak out (more than is reasonable) with a moral obligation to say what I believe to be true.
AI is no longer a subject for engineers. It is a social issue.
Would you trust scientists or businessmen?
AI is rooted in technical principles. Who would you trust to repair your car: a salesperson or a mechanic?
If you treat artificial intelligence as a mere technical subject, you will miss the point. Despite the remarkable improvements and benefits related to data procesing, artificial intelligence has now become an issue. Especially generative AI.
Some facts, or short-term anticipations :
Systematic use of (generative) AI alters our relationship with reality.
AI is having a profound impact on white-collar jobs and promoting the emergence of digital slaves.
AI modifies our relationship with work, truth and others.
AI cannibalises interesting and creative intellectual activities.
Generative models coupled with systematic information processing capabilities give enormous power to unelected, powerful and wealthy individuals. Citizens must (I believe) be aware of this, inform themselves and reflect on it. We are all affected by algorithmic decisions: us, our parents, our children.
Very concrete projects involving the use of so-called intelligent agents are currently being rolled out in American universities, such as California State University - Welcome to Campus. Here’s Your ChatGPT.. For the general public, of course. The wealthy, on the other hand, will have access to human professors.
