How to stop anthropomorphizing AI: A guide to clearer language about technology

Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000

2h ago· 7 min readenOpinion

Summary

Emily M. Bender and Nanna Inie argue that anthropomorphizing language around "AI" technologies obscures clear discussion of what these systems actually do. They outline a three-step process for changing how we talk about AI: noticing anthropomorphizing word choices, finding alternatives, and building new habits. The piece calls for more precise, honest language to enable better public understanding and policy decisions about AI technologies.

Source

bskyHow to stop anthropomorphizing AI: A guide to clearer language about technologybuttondown.com

Key quotes

· 3 pulled

We made the case against the anthropomorphizing language that makes it harder to have clear discussions of what so-called 'AI' technologies actually do, and when and whether to use them.

These ways of speaking are deeply ingrained at this point, and it takes work to carve new conversational and writing habits.

Noticing which word choices are anthropomorphizing — Finding alternatives — Getting in the habit of using the alternatives

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Emily M. Bender and Nanna Inie In our op-ed for Tech Policy Press ("We Need to Talk About How We Talk About 'AI'"), we made the case against the...

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