Atlas of AI

Artificial intelligence is a technology of extraction, fueled by a shift toward undemocratic governance and increased inequity. This book offers a material and political perspective on what it takes to make AI and how it centralizes power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

The true costs of artificial intelligence (AI) are far-reaching and complex, extending beyond the realm of technology and into the broader social, economic, and environmental spheres. This comprehensive study argues that AI is neither artificial nor particularly intelligent, highlighting the underlying flaws and limitations in its current state. It provides a fascinating history of the data on which machine-learning systems are trained, shedding light on the biases and prejudices that may be embedded within these systems.

While AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve our lives in numerous ways, it is essential to recognize the hidden costs associated with its development and deployment. These costs include the depletion of natural resources, the exploitation of labor, and the erosion of privacy and equality. Moreover, the increasing reliance on AI raises concerns about the loss of human jobs and the potential for social and economic inequality to deepen.

One of the most significant hidden costs of AI is its impact on the environment. The mining of minerals and the production of electronic components required for AI technology contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. The energy consumption of AI systems, particularly those powered by high-performance computing, is also a significant concern, as it adds to the carbon footprint and contributes to global warming.

Another hidden cost of AI is its potential to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. As AI systems become more advanced and capable of performing tasks that were once the domain of human workers, there is a risk that they will become increasingly marginalized and excluded from the workforce. This could lead to increased unemployment and poverty, particularly in low-wage and manual labor-intensive industries.

Furthermore, the use of AI in surveillance and monitoring poses significant risks to privacy and freedom. The collection and analysis of vast amounts of data by AI systems can be used to track individuals' movements, monitor their behavior, and even predict their actions. This raises concerns about the erosion of individual rights and the potential for government abuse of power.

To address these hidden costs, it is essential to adopt a more ethical and responsible approach to the development and deployment of AI. This includes ensuring that AI systems are transparent and accountable, that they are developed and trained with diversity and inclusion in mind, and that they are designed to minimize their environmental impact. It also involves promoting policies that support the growth of the human workforce and address social and economic inequality, such as education and training programs, job protection, and social safety nets.

In conclusion, the true costs of artificial intelligence are far-reaching and complex, extending beyond the realm of technology and into the broader social, economic, and environmental spheres. While AI has the potential to bring about significant benefits, it is essential to recognize and address the hidden costs associated with its development and deployment. By adopting a more ethical and responsible approach, we can ensure that AI is used to benefit society as a whole and to promote the well-being and prosperity of all individuals.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 151 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300209570