genai, meta-discussion
I don't think saying that AI has literally no use at all is a useful rhetoric for anything but talking to people you've already convinced.Look. I get it. Modern day, competitive LLMs are made by stealing intellectual property. They shovel money upwards exclusively and are horrendous for the environment. I am not here to debate any of this.
If you want to convince someone of your viewpoint, you have got to be convincing. With a stranger, you usually only get one shot at them hearing you out, so what you say counts.
At this stage of the AI hype, most individuals have used AI purposefully at least once. And, like it or not, that experience has probably been a positive one for the individual you are discussing with; otherwise, there'd be nothing to discuss. Saying "AI has no use at all and whoever thinks this way is an idiot" goes directly against what they have experienced. Further insisting on that statement will prematurely sever the connection you are trying to build. Your only chance at convincing that individual is then gone. And besides both sides being just a little unhappier than before, nothing will have changed.
And I know that you're likely trying to argue cost/benefit through that statement. The thesis is: Even if AI were an insanely useful tool, it is not possible under capitalism to make it into a tool which can be researched, developed and used responsibly and fairly.
But I do think that we collectively can do a much better job at making these facts visible and digestible to bring more people to the right side. A little compassion and kindness go a long way, and I think that—especially in times as rough as these—it is useful to be reminded that not everyone disagreeing with you is automatically an enemy.
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