We learn of the first algorithms that reached the point where they could beat a grandmaster at chess and how leaving human-like pauses disconcerted him. In answering this simple question Fry takes us on a tour of the history of the algorithm, where and how they are being used and the possible implications of our dependency on them. The question that Fry poses in her book is: Who would you rather decide your future – an algorithm or a human? For all those of you who laughed at the 'Computer Says No' sketch in Little Britain, life might not always be so funny now. As the digital world permeates our life further computers are being used as part of, or in some cases the entire part of the decision process. We rely on the computers and the internet for almost everything these days, it is the backbone of our infrastructure, our first point of social contact for friends and associates all around the world, supplies our film and music choices and is a substantial part of the economy now. That is what we should really learn to live with.Ī copy of this was provided free of charge from the publisher in return for an honest review. Some things are too unpredictable to be entrusted to a machine. I cannot live with the idea that I should be coerced to surrender my free will or private information in order to improve someone else's algorithm. Algorithms will never give a shit about us. It does not know how to critically think its only goal is to complete a program and meet a target. It cannot express democratic values, no matter how sophisticated it is. Let me put it this way: An algorithm does not breathe or think. But, I think the folks who develop tech often forget that an algorithm (a machine) should never be depended upon to make humane decisions - nor is it a reliable agent of Effective Altruism. Yes, I agree that better developed algorithms can improve quality of life. As a librarian/Information Science professional, I have serious qualms with the argument that we should learn to "live" with algorithms/machines controlling functions of society. Thoroughly researched and more balanced that expected, but still problematic.
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