Don't Buy the "A.I." Hype

Tim Allen, a principal engineer at Wharton Research Data Services and a member of the Python and Django Software Foundations, shares his perspective on the current hype surrounding "A.I." Drawing on his decades of experience in technology, he argues that many of the current "AI" advancements are better described as machine learning models and that the intense hype mirrors past technological trends like the metaverse and blockchain, which did not live up to their initial expectations. Allen discusses the dangers of this hype, including its potential to obscure the true utility of new technologies, the risk of misinformation, and its impact on elections. He uses historical examples like Second Life and the rise and fall of cryptocurrency to illustrate his points, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and responsible stewardship as technologists.