As AI models grow larger and more powerful, they promise incredible capabilities — but at what cost? 

Karen Hao is a journalist and former engineer who writes about the impact of artificial intelligence on society for The Atlantic and other top publications. 

On this episode of CRAFTED., we discuss whether the largest AI models are worth their hefty footprint: They consume massive amounts of electricity and water and Karen argues that smaller models better balance cost vs. benefit. 

Karen will also provide a view of AI from outside — far outside — Silicon Valley. She’s reported on AI from across the Global South and we’ll hear about the fight over data centers in Chile, how New Zealand’s Maori people are using AI to preserve their indigenous language, and why it’s a problem that AI can speak any language, but can only really be policed in a few.

Key Moments:

• (01:51) - - The view of AI from the Global South

• Website: https://karendhao.com/
• X: https://x.com/_KarenHao
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendhao/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_karenhao

Articles Mentioned:

• Microsoft’s Hypocrisy on AI (The Atlantic) 
• A new vision of artificial intelligence for the people (MIT Technology Review)
• AI Is Taking Water From the Desert (The Atlantic)

Where to find Dan Blumberg:

• Website & newsletter: https://www.crafted.fm 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblums/
• X: https://x.com/dblums

CRAFTED. is produced by Modern Product Minds, where CRAFTED. host Dan Blumberg and team can help you take a new product from zero to one... and beyond. We specialize in early stage product discovery, growth, and experimentation. Learn more at modernproductminds.com 

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