AI Snake Oil

Reviews / Votes

"A Behavioral Scientist Notable Book of the Year" "Finalist for the PROSE Award in Computing and Information Sciences, Association of American Publishers" "As artificial intelligence proliferates, more and more hinges on our ability to articulate our own value. We seem to be on the cusp of a world in which workers of all kinds-teachers, doctors, writers, photographers, lawyers, coders, clerks, and more-will be replaced with, or to some degree sidelined by, their A.I. equivalents. What will get left out when A.I. steps in? . . . . [Narayanan and Kapoor] approach the question on a practical level. They urge skepticism, and argue that the blanket term 'A.I.' can serve as a kind of smoke screen for underperforming technologies. . . . [AI Snake Oil isn't] just describing A.I., which continues to evolve, but characterizing the human condition."---Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker "Well-researched book - one of the best on this controversial subject."---Andrew Robinson, Nature "The first step to understanding AI better is coming to terms with the vagueness of the term. . . . AI Snake Oil divides artificial intelligence into two subcategories: predictive AI, which uses data to assess future outcomes; and generative AI, which crafts probable answers to prompts based on past data. It's worth it for anyone who encounters AI tools, willingly or not, to spend at least a little time trying to better grasp key concepts."---Reece Rogers, WIRED "Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor are gifted with an amazing ability to describe complex technology in simple and engaging language. AI Snake Oil provides a comprehensive history of AI as well as a detailed explanation of the differences between generative AI, predictive AI, and the moderation of AI content. Moreover, the book also serves as a blueprint for vetting AI iterations in terms of their accuracy, reliability, and broader social and commercial applications."---Leonora Cravotta, American Spectator "The experienced authors bring a wealth of knowledge to their subject. . . . Written in language that even nontechnical readers can understand, the text provides plenty of practical suggestions that can benefit creators and users alike. It's also worth noting that Narayanan and Kapoor write a regular newsletter to update their points. Highly useful advice for those who work with or are affected by AI-i.e., nearly everyone." * Kirkus, starred review * "A worthwhile read whether you make policy decisions, use AI in the workplace or just spend time searching online. It's a powerful reminder of how AI has already infiltrated our lives-and a convincing plea to take care in how we interact with it."---Elizabeth Quill, Science News "Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor help the reader distinguish what AI can and cannot do, and how that distinction collapses in the face of the hype that emanates from Silicon Valley and other quarters."---Emanuel Moss, Public Books "Effectively translates the technical to the practical."---John Warner, Inside Higher Ed "[A] solid overview of AI's defects." * Publishers Weekly * "Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor write about AI capabilities in a wide range of settings, from criminal sentencing to moderating social media. My favorite part of the book is Chapter 5, which takes the arguments of AI doomers head-on."---Timothy B. Lee, Understanding AI "The authors admirably differentiate fact from opinion, draw from personal experience, give sensible reasons for their views (including copious references), and don't hesitate to call for action. . . . If you're curious about AI or deciding how to implement it, AI Snake Oil offers clear writing and level-headed thinking."---Jean Gazis, PracticalEcommerce "Well-informed, clear and persuasive-the cool breeze of knowledge and good sense are a good antidote to anybody inclined to believe the hyped claims and fears."---Diane Coyle, Enlightened Economist "This book is an easy read for anyone interested in artificial intelligence (AI). It is a wide subject, with categories of AI that do different things, and the authors give many good examples to educate and dispel AI myths."---Geraldine McBride, Financial World "AI Snake Oil has everything you ever wanted to know about AI."---Sudhirendar Sharma, The Hindu Businessline "Important and timely." * Choice *