Who is this book for?
- This book would likely appeal to readers who are curious about artificial intelligence and emerging technologies but don't have much prior knowledge of the field.
- It's well-suited for general audiences looking for an accessible introduction to the potential impacts of AI on society and the ethical dilemmas it raises.
- Readers who enjoy speculative non-fiction about future scenarios and technological change would find it engaging.
- Those interested in policy and governance issues related to technology might also appreciate the author's perspective as an industry insider grappling with how to regulate AI development.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers who already have significant knowledge about AI and its societal implications may find this book too basic or repetitive.
- AI researchers, computer scientists, and technology experts might be frustrated by the lack of technical depth and may disagree with some of the author's predictions or proposed solutions.
- Those looking for a rigorously academic or heavily sourced work on AI ethics and policy will likely be disappointed by the more casual, speculative tone.
- Readers who prefer concise, tightly argued non-fiction may find the book's length and repetition frustrating.
- Lastly, extreme AI optimists or those who believe concerns about AI risks are overblown may dislike the book's focus on potential dangers and need for regulation.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Written by an insider with deep knowledge of AI (co-founder of DeepMind)
- Provides a good overview of potential risks and benefits of future AI and technology developments
- Explains complex AI concepts in an accessible way for general readers
- Offers thought-provoking scenarios about how AI could impact society
- Proposes some concrete ideas for how to contain and regulate AI development
- Balances optimism about AI's potential with concerns about risks
- Covers both AI and other emerging technologies like synthetic biology
- Provides historical context by comparing AI to past technological revolutions
- Raises important ethical questions about AI development and use
- Sparks discussion on an urgent and relevant topic
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Repetitive and longer than necessary – could have been more concise
- Lacks depth on some topics, providing only surface-level analysis
- Makes some factual errors or uses outdated examples
- Predictions and proposed solutions can be vague or unrealistic
- Tends towards alarmism and exaggeration of AI risks in places
- Does not offer many novel insights for those already familiar with AI issues
- Historical analogies and examples are sometimes weak or overused
- Contradicts itself in places, suggesting a rushed writing process
- Focuses heavily on AI at expense of other technologies mentioned
- Lacks diverse perspectives, mostly presenting the author's own views
