In this episode Bill speaks with Jacob Ward, a longtime technology journalist. He’s worked for NBC News, CNN and PBS. They discuss the origins and development of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its capabilities and limitations. Jacob explains that AI's power lies in its pattern recognition but emphasizes that it does not truly understand the data it processes. He delves into the societal implications of AI, including job displacement, lack of regulation, and potential psychological impacts. Despite these risks, Ward highlights positive uses of AI in fields like healthcare and astronomy. Finally, he discusses the pressing need for regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of AI and advocates for a balanced approach to AI utilization.

You can follow Jacob Ward’s Podcast and Newsletter, The Rip Current, here TheRipCurrent.com and here TheRipCurrent.substack.com. And his book, The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back here.

Today’s Bill Press Pod is supported by The Laborers’ International Union of North America. More information at LIUNA.org.

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