To think

I’ve consciously detached for a bit from AI slurry on the parts of the web that are pure commentariat. Too much noise not enough thought, IMVHO.

Specifically, I avoided proclamations from people who about a year ago were NFT experts and a year before that BitCoin ninja’s and earlier still, Digital Transformation and Web 2.0 influencers and wondered around listening, watching, reading and (I hope) learning from considered, thoughtful minds that looked at not just the tech condition of AI but the wider social, cultural and human aspects and impacts of what is a true humanity changing revolution.

Some of this learning (again, I hope) is finding its way into the various products and businesses I’m very lucky enough to work within.

I’ve also started writing again, partly at this early stage, on behalf of people more sophisticated and comfortable with attention and partly for my never-ending academic ramblings - and am slowly going to start to push stuff out over the next few months. BTW a deep thank you to those that have asked me to provide my nonsense to their publications – you fools. 

For now though – not that I should be listened to at all – here are a few sources of knowledge from true experts that have helped me and may (if you get the time to quieten the noise) be of some interest to you (some are heavy, some light and they don’t all relate directly to AI – indeed, some - not at all, but I’m sure you’ll get the drift).

 The Atomic Human – A wonderful book by Neil Lawrence. Neil is not only has a true and learnt understanding of AI but also is able to place it in the wider societal context and does ask questions around what it may mean to be a human.

The Artificial Human – Explanations for the masses from people who know and see not just the tech advancements but potentially the human retraction from the inevitable growth of AI ‘everywhere’. The BBC do some great stuff in this area.

Both of the above looking at the same challenge from different parts of the venn diagram.

Dignity – A foundation and must read, I believe, for anyone and everyone who wants to live in a humane society. Which seems to be like a decreasing number.

Section. A business set up by Scott Galloway. Scott is a marmite character. He appears loud, brash, unapologetically capitalist – but he is a passionate moderate, with a real understanding of what it means to create a digital future that empowers and recognises all parts of a functioning society. Section provides practical and thoughtful learnings, courses and tools for those wanting/needing to understand how AI can help them, their business and colleagues. I like it and use it.

Center for Humane Technology. Note the US spelling of Center, however don’t let that hold you against them. A little cheesy, but with funds and a solid focus on addressing the negative impact of tech on life chances and growth – CHT is a valuable place for understanding what exactly is going on in SF and the Valley.

Memex – John Naughton. John is a hugely respected journalist and observer of the digital space and has been for 30+ years. His insight, thoughts and understanding of AI is thoughtful but with a really impactful denoucement on every post.

And the ubiquitous Substacks…

Blood in the Machine – Brian Merchant. Brian is a wry and wise Valley based observer of the coming wave of AI and its impact on work, power dynamics and society in general.

Archedelia – Matthew B Crawford. Matthew is a philosopher first and a techie second. He wrote a wonderful book - Shop Class As Soulcraft - about how a physical trade can be a meditation on existence. Do trust me – its wonderful.

Social Warming – Charles Arthur. The title gives away the angle – Charles, looks to understand how social media, tech and culture is being influenced by the few and how that manifests across society.

Understanding AI – a 101 for those who want to understand the practicalities of AI and its use (and learn some lessons) alongside its wider impacts.

The Convivial Society – L.M.Sarcas – Great title and great thinking and perspective on the interactions and influence of tech and culture on each other.  

And just a couple to take note of on LinkedIn (if that’s your thing).

Tom Goodwin – from a marketing and business strategy perspective

Daniel Hulme – from a pure AI capability perspective.