Anthropologist studies hidden human labor in AI systems
Anthropologist Joseph Wilson embedded himself in global AI data annotation networks and a Toronto chip company to highlight the human labor underpinning artificial intelligence. His new book, "Humans of AI," draws on interviews with chipmakers, "ghost workers," and scientists to show that AI systems rely heavily on behind-the-scenes human input, not only autonomous algorithms.
- Wilson observed AI chip labs and global data annotation work
- He interviewed both supporters and critics of AI
- Highlights 'ghost workers' who label data for AI systems
- Warns against treating AI as fully autonomous or human-like
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