Navigating the AI Landscape: A Journalistic Perspective

The Reluctance to Engage

I made numerous attempts, employing diverse strategies, to extricate myself from this assignment. I contended that not every package mandates an editor’s letter. I was deeply immersed in a plethora of tasks: recording a new podcast, preparing for a tech conference, attending to basic life functions such as eating, sleeping, parenting, engaging in creative doodling, refining my to – do list, and even retying my shoelaces. I endeavored to convey to my editor that I was operating at my maximum capacity. Admittedly, my mode of communication was rather subtle; I simply ceased responding to his emails, envisioning a realm where AI was not omnipresent, infiltrating every waking moment.

Regrettably, much like many of his predecessors, he failed to grasp my stance. He posited, “Rather than perceiving it as an editor’s letter, consider it a concise article for the AI package. I am aware that you harbor no enthusiasm for WIRED formulating an AI manifesto.”

The Overwhelming AI Discourse

He is indeed correct; I am not interested. Here’s the rationale: In July 2023, during my job interview, every individual involved in the process interrogated me about my approach to covering AI. Since then, I have been inundated with inquiries regarding my perspective on this technology. Communication and public relations professionals, conference organizers across the globe, my father, David Remnick, and fellow journalists have all sought my insights. This incessant barrage of questions is yet another reason, among a multitude, why I eschew industry parties, both currently and in the foreseeable future. Even my neighbor speculates about the AI apocalypse, and my dermatologist wishes to discuss a new AI – based diagnostic tool. It seems that even my dogs are GPT – curious.

Thankfully, there are exceptions. My husband is too preoccupied creating AI – generated movies on his phone to be concerned about his wife’s professional take on AI. And, thankfully, the employees at WIRED share my understanding of AI: The technology has been evolving for decades, and the current AI fervor pertains specifically to the deep – learning method of training models on vast amounts of data. While it may appear technically daunting, it is, in essence, not as profound as the hype would suggest. Unless one is overly influenced by the marketing propaganda of visionary tech figures like Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, there’s no need for alarm.

The Reality of AI

The fact remains that AI is not a novel invention. It is neither the panacea for all problems nor the harbinger of global destruction (or job loss) as some have warned. Training, deploying, and commercializing AI is exorbitantly expensive and resource – intensive, with an endless cycle of data – feeding, model – building, and re – iteration. Generative AI has its utility in certain scenarios, is utterly useless in others, and remains largely unproven in most. It is context – dependent, not a monolithic entity. There are increasing indications that it may be an economic bubble. While its burst could be temporarily catastrophic, certain aspects of AI technology will persist and continue to impact our lives.

AI and Journalism

Regarding journalism, the question looms: Is generative AI on the verge of decimating our industry, undermining the art of human – led news – gathering and storytelling? The answer varies depending on whom you consult. Google, while asserting the importance of driving traffic and revenue to publishers for accurate information dissemination, simultaneously introduces AI – infused features that detrimentally affect both its search product and the publications it has long exploited. For publishers, extricating themselves from Google’s grasp often means significant financial sacrifice or complete closure. Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg, after repeatedly undercutting the news business, has created an “AI – generated video feed” that, in essence, amounts to subpar content.

At WIRED, we recognize the potential of AI. In the coming years, it may assist with copy – editing. Presently, we utilize it for carefully fact – checked research and brainstorming, akin to having a rather unremarkable automated intern. However, the core tasks of uncovering newsworthy information, crafting evocative language, and creating impactful illustrations remain the domain of human journalists. We will selectively integrate technology to enhance our work where appropriate and eschew it when it is not.

Advice to Readers

My counsel to WIRED readers is to maintain an open mind. Embrace the opportunity to learn about AI and familiarize yourselves with the tools in vogue. Grasp the fundamentals and delve deeper if you find it interesting or useful. Under no circumstances should you develop an overly intimate relationship with AI. Ensure that your children continue to receive education from human teachers. Above all, relax. The world is in a constant state of flux, and technology predates ChatGPT. Perhaps the most irksome aspect of AI is the incessant chatter surrounding it.

I could expound further, but I must conclude. As I’ve stated, not every package necessitates an editor’s letter, and I have a mole on my back for which I seek a human opinion.