Book description
A smart, incisive look at the technologies sold as artificial intelligence, the drawbacks and pitfalls of technology sold under this banner, and why it’s crucial to recognize the many ways in which AI hype covers for a small set of power-hungry actors at work and in the world. Is artificial intelligence going to take over the world? Have big tech scientists created an artificial lifeform that can think on its own? Is it going to put authors, artists, and others out of business? Are we about to enter an age where computers are better than humans at everything?The answer to these questions, linguist Emily M. Bender and sociologist Alex Hanna make clear, is “no,” “they wish,” “LOL,” and “definitely not.” This kind of thinking is a symptom of a phenomenon known as “AI hype.” Hype looks and smells fishy: It twists words and helps the rich get richer by justifying data theft, motivating surveillance capitalism, and devaluing human creativity in order to replace meaningful work with jobs that treat people like machines. In The AI Con, Bender and Hanna offer a sharp, witty, and wide-ranging take-down of AI hype across its many forms.Bender and Hanna show you how to spot AI hype, how to deconstruct it, and how to expose the power grabs it aims to hide. Armed with these tools, you will be prepared to push back against AI hype at work, as a consumer in the marketplace, as a skeptical newsreader, and as a citizen holding policymakers to account. Together, Bender and Hanna expose AI hype for what it is: a mask for Big Tech’s drive for profit, with little concern for who it affects.
About the Author
Dr. Emily M. Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington where she is also the Faculty Director of the Computational Linguistics Master of Science program and affiliate faculty in the School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Information School. In 2023, she was included in the inaugural Time 100 list of the most influential people in AI. She is frequently consulted by policymakers, from municipal officials to the federal government to the United Nations, for insight into how to understand so-called AI technologies.Dr. Alex Hanna is Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) and a Lecturer in the School of Information at the University of California Berkeley. She is an outspoken critic of the tech industry, a proponent of community-based uses of technology, and a highly sought-after speaker and expert who has been featured across the media, including articles in the Washington Post, Financial Times, The Atlantic, and Time.
Shady Lady
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Gbbledgoodk
Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
MuseMaster
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
Bambi Wings
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer.
Bridge Whip
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
Sassy Muffin
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer.
Miss Lucky
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Celtic Charger
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story!
Canary Apple Red
Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Trick Baron
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
WanderWord
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. 📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖 I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Snout Pixie
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Devil Blade
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! 🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Treasure Devil
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Chlorine
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
WordWanderer
💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
WanderWord
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
TrinitySoul
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users.
Plum Moon
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Gullyway
🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience