Document Type
Book Review
Publication
Yale Journal on Regulation, Notice & Comment
Year
2023
Citation Information
Harry Surden, Naïve Realism, Cognitive Bias, and the Benefits and Risks of AI, Yale J. on Regul. Notice & Comment (Mar. 16, 2023), https://www.yalejreg.com/nc/naive-realism-cognitive-bias-and-the-benefits-and-risks-of-ai-by-harry-surden
Abstract
In this short piece I comment on Orly Lobel's book on artificial intelligence (AI) and society "The Equality Machine." Here, I reflect on the complex topic of aI and its impact on society, and the importance of acknowledging both its positive and negative aspects. More broadly, I discuss the various cognitive biases, such as naïve realism, epistemic bubbles, negativity bias, extremity bias, and the availability heuristic, that influence individuals' perceptions of AI, often leading to polarized viewpoints. Technology can both exacerbate and ameliorate these biases, and I commend Lobel's balanced approach to AI analysis as an example to emulate.
Although AI is changing at an unprecedented rate, as exemplified by recent advances in Large Language Model (LLM) technology such as ChatGPT/GPT4, humans are adaptable, and society can actively steer toward a desirable future. By acknowledging the potential benefits and risks of AI, and by striving to overcome inherent cognitive biases, individuals can achieve a more balanced understanding of the technology and its impact on society.
Copyright Statement
Copyright protected. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.
Comments
This is the tenth post in a symposium on Orly Lobel’s "The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future"