{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "description": "I was tempted to set this aside when I first got into it, but I stuck with it and I don't regret doing so. It provides a high-level overview of the field, its shortcomings and possible, realistic outcomes. It clarifies that AI is an umbrella term for numerous underlying technologies, profiles the shortcoming of using it for predictive approaches, the hype the industry is currently caught up and makes a case for the utility of some of these technologies given the appropriate guidance. AI generated text is often rife with inaccuracies, AI driven social-media moderation often misses subtleties and nuances in human communication and many of these technologies require human guidance and intervention that's either concealed or glossed over. They are clear where the technology falls short, how companies change metrics to claim greater accuracy, efforts at regulatory capture by larger players on so on. They also highlight smaller cases where it can be a helpful utility. It's a difficult needle to thread and they're often clinical in tone, but they accomplish what they set out to. The authors try and tread a fine line between doom and gloom and brighter outcomes which is made clear when they conclude with vignettes featuring two possible outcomes. Their most optimistic requires thoughtful regulation, implementation and more thought given to negative externalities. That doesn't feel like the path we're on.",
  "path": "/reading/books/9780691249131/ai-snake-oil",
  "publishedAt": "2025-06-07T00:00:00Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:sttgf52vkk46f6yuknvqxvgh/site.standard.publication/self",
  "tags": [
    "ai",
    "tech",
    "nonfiction"
  ],
  "title": "AI Snake Oil"
}