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.
Polar Bee
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Dredd
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Baked ZD
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Freak
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. 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.
Hobo Samurai
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
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Darling Peacock
My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Chew Chew
ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
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I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
High Woo
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Troubled Chick
ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Saber-RED
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
WanderWord
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Shooter
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ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Miss Fix It
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
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