Dangerous metaphors in AI

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the use of metaphors in technology, particularly in the context of AI and data. It highlights the importance of being cautious about the metaphors we use, as they can shape our perceptions, set expectations, and guide our actions. The article also explores the limits of metaphors and how they can introduce biases and prevent us from fully understanding the underlying concepts.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Metaphors in Technology and AI

1. What are the key points made about the use of metaphors in technology and AI?

• Metaphors are used to simplify and relate high-level concepts in technology, including AI.
• We must be cautious about the metaphors we embrace and the narratives we construct when discussing AI's future, as they can shape our perceptions and guide our actions.
• Metaphors like "Data is the new gold" and comparing AI advancements to the Wild West can lead to dangerous expectations and biases.

2. How do metaphors play a role in user experience (UX) design?

• Metaphors are an integral part of UX design, as they help create a common understanding and trust between designers and users.
• Designers often use metaphors to make digital interfaces more intuitive and relatable, such as the "home" button or the "send" icon.
• The use of metaphors in UX design, such as Material Design, can lead to the creation of new, interconnected metaphors.

3. What are the limitations of metaphors, as discussed in the article?

• Metaphors can introduce us to new ideas, but they might be biased and ultimately limit our ability to fully understand the underlying concepts.
• There is a risk of metaphors becoming so stretched out and overutilized that they stop working or prevent us from grasping a higher truth.
• The article cites Nietzsche's perspective that "Truths are illusions which we have forgotten are illusions — they are metaphors that have become worn out and have been drained of sensuous force."

[02] The Metaphor of "AI as the New Wild West"

1. How does the article critique the metaphor of "AI as the new Wild West"?

• The article suggests that if AI is the new Wild West, "we are f*cked," as the Wild West era was characterized by rapid, uncontrolled growth, displacement of indigenous people, and environmental degradation.
• The article draws parallels between the San Francisco 49ers and the real-life 49ers during the California Gold Rush, highlighting the urban challenges and societal impacts that can arise from such rapid, uncontrolled growth.
• The article suggests that the "AI Rush" in San Francisco, with 50% of global venture funding going to companies based in the city, is leading to similar issues, such as increasing demand for office space, driving up real estate prices, and benefiting the wealthy rather than the people doing the actual work.

2. What alternative narrative does the article propose to counter the "AI as the new Wild West" metaphor?

• The article suggests reimagining the myth of King Midas, where instead of turning everything he touches into gold, Midas has the power to turn everything into data.
• This metaphor explores the potential dangers of mindlessly exchanging life for data, as Midas' daughter Zoe is transformed into terabytes of information, subject to replication, distortion, and deletion.
• The article argues that this metaphor can help us design metaphors that better grasp the complex concepts of AI and data without limiting our thinking or preventing us from seeing higher truths.

3. What is the key message the article conveys about the importance of designing counter-narratives to metaphors?

• The article emphasizes the need to strive for balanced perspectives and metaphors that do not become self-fulfilling prophecies, hindering our ability to innovate and understand AI's true potential risks.
• As designers, technologists, and users, the article calls for a constant demand for legislation that protects people's privacy, data ownership, and fair compensation for intellectual property, to ensure that the metaphors we use do not lead to harmful outcomes.