After a two month break to explore methods of AI resistance, I’m back to this format. I know, it seems contradictory. And no, I haven’t decided to get a brain implant. The truth is that I’m on the fence about AI adoption and my writing reflects it. 

On the one hand, I see the need for an organized movement against the AI takeover. But on the other hand, learning about AI is pretty damn exciting. 

I mean, these are truly historic times. We could be watching the development of superintelligent technology that will massively change society. A level of change we’ve only seen with other major technologies like the printing press. Or automobiles. Isn’t that kind of cool?

So the next step in my cyborg-ization process is about education. I’m going to learn everything I possibly can about AI and its effects on society. 

I’m off to a good start. In the past few weeks, I’ve read two informative nonfiction books, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, and The Coming Wave (which I very highly recommend).

I’m also listening to podcasts about breaking AI news, because even the newest books are already dated when it comes to fast-moving tech development.

So welcome back to The Reluctant Cyborg. I’m glad you’re along for the ride.

Here are some things I’m thinking about this week…

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Something New:

• Government finally takes AI warnings seriously. For years AI execs and developers have been sounding the alarm about the possible catastrophic effects of unchecked AI. But no one has stepped in to change anything. Until recently. In early June, President Trump issued an executive order asking for voluntary governmental access to all new AI releases before they are available to the public. Hopefully this will delay Skynet without giving Big Brother too much power. Gotta dodge all the dystopian sci-fi prophecies, right?

Something Old:

• Libraries. The first recorded library dates back to Nineveh in the 7th century BC, although humans stored written documents long before that. Today, libraries offer community engagement with enriching activities throughout the year, tax help, and internet access. Libraries have also increasingly become a refuge for those experiencing homelessness during the growing housing crisis, offering daytime shelter and access to job search tools. And of course, there are books. Lots and lots of them. 

Something Inspiring:

• Ford rehires human engineers. Last year, automaker Ford decided to fire a bunch of quality inspectors in favor of AI systems that promised to cut costs and increase productivity. Well, it didn’t work out for them. Apparently AI cameras weren’t as knowledgeable or helpful with quality checks as Ford had hoped. So in an inspiring turn of events, Ford re-hired about 300 veteran quality inspectors. Score one for humanity.

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Okay, that’s all for now. Join me here next week for more.