On the Dangers of Overused AI Metaphors
Calling language models “bullshit generators” and people who want AI regulation “modern Luddites” is bad for everyone
In our attempts to understand the new from the old and the unknown from the known, we risk either stripping away too much truth or adding too much falsehood so that our inquiries inevitably become futile.
Metaphors and historical comparisons are always imperfect. They often entail a trade-off between fidelity and simplicity with a touch of motivation to drive an argument forward. Overusing them inadvertently damages the quality of the conversation in a way that affects our understanding and that of others.
This discoursive illness pains AI today.
This article is a selection from The Algorithmic Bridge, an educational newsletter whose purpose is to bridge the gap between AI, algorithms, and people. It will help you understand the impact AI has in your life and develop the tools to better navigate the future.
