Books in Bytes: AI

June'23

Jul 10, 2023

Hey there!

📢Hey folks!

Ready for this month's round-up of must-reads? We're diving deep into the world of AI! From exploring the future of creative work to understanding the potentials and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, we've got quite a list this time! 💻🧠

Also, remember, knowledge is a gift! If you'd like to donate one of these enlightening reads to a student in need, just give me a shout. Let's spread the love for learning.

AI and the Future of Creative Work

by Michael Filimowicz

So, the future of creative work is shaping up to be way more interesting than just "robots taking over everything". What we're seeing is a mixed bag where humans and AI get to share the load.

Of course, some old-school jobs might fade out, but hey, that's progress for you!
On the flip side, there'll be loads of new gigs cropping up, all focused on making the most out of AI tech to get things done more efficiently.
Plus, we're gonna see nifty tools for making and tweaking content becoming as everyday as automated systems for the boring, repetitive stuff. All of this is bound to shift how we view creativity and creative work.

This book takes a deep dive into what it might look like if humans and robots became work buddies. It's all about creative cybernetics, where artists and AI join forces to create art. It also talks about how the big corporations are tightening their grip as AI shakes up the music industry, the chat around culture made by algorithms in streaming media, and how craftspeople could offer a fresh perspective against the automation tide.

👩🏼 NK's Two Cents: The future of work is shaping up to be a sort of tag-team effort between us humans and AI. But the big question is, is this tag-team gonna be a win for us? And how can we make sure it is? This book dives into these questions and gives you a glimpse of what might be in store. So, if you're curious about where we're heading, this is definitely a must-read!

The Master Algorithm

by Pedro Domingos

This book dives into how AI could shake things up in big time, and the search for a top-notch "master algorithm" that could do anything a human brain can. He gets into the nitty-gritty of machine learning, from symbol-based to Bayesian, and more, arguing that the big dream is to whip up one single algorithm that can handle any intellectual job.

This book is aimed at the everyday reader and is a super friendly intro to the world of machine learning. Domingos is a bit of an optimist, thinking that this master algorithm could solve a ton of world problems and ramp up efficiency across different industries. But he's not blind to the risks - he recognizes that we've got to be careful with this kind of powerful tech and talks about the importance of using it responsibly.

👩🏼 NK's Two Cents: AI is a fast-moving game, and sometimes, books about it can feel like yesterday's news in no time. But "The Master Algorithm" is a solid read that's stood the test of time. It's a well-penned, mind-stirring book that gives a pretty comprehensive run-down of machine learning and all the ways we can use it. Despite the lightning pace of tech, a lot of the concepts and ideas in the book are probably still spot-on today.

Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust

by Gary Marcus, Ernest Davis

The authors take us through this journey of AI, from the 'narrow' AI stuff we see today (think super-smart algorithms that can beat you at chess) to this idea of 'general' AI, which is the sci-fi dream of a machine that can basically think and learn just like us. But they're not just hyping it up - they're pretty clear that we're not there yet and it's going to be a wild ride to get there, if we can at all.

They also chat about the dark side of AI. It's not just about getting the wrong pizza recommendation. Think about drones deciding who to target, your private data being used for who knows what, and even the idea that our obsession with tech is messing with how we relate to each other. And they don't hold back on how AI can be used to keep tabs on everyone - it's almost like they've been reading some dystopian novels. It's a pretty gripping read, not gonna lie.

A podcast you may find interesting related to the book: Gary Marcus on Rebooting Al

👩🏼 NK's Two Cents: The authors urge us to navigate this digital age wisely, considering the potential pitfalls that come with AI - from misinformation to surveillance risks. The goal to infuse AI with human-like common sense, as the book suggests, underscores the complexities involved. A must-read for a grounded understanding of AI's real capabilities, limitations, and potential risks.

And that's a wrap on this month's AI-themed recommendations! 📚🤖 If any of these titles caught your eye and you'd like to pay it forward to a student, just shoot me a PM! 💌🎓 Until our next newsletter, stay curious and happy reading! 🧠📖

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