Discussion on Artificial Intelligence: Reaching Far, Fueled by Fear and the Role of Harari in the Debate
On a packed afternoon at Ticmas' auditorium during the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair, a vibrant debate about artificial intelligence sparked among a sharp audience. Patricio Zunini posed the question that set the tone: "Is Harari on the money?" The simple query ignited a thought-provoking discussion about AI, its role in society, and the legitimacy of apocalyptic discourse.
Joining Zunini were Lalo Zanoni, journalist and author of Machines Can't Dream, Consuelo López, a technical and critical AI analyst, and Santiago Castillo, a political consultant from 81Dminds with expertise in political science. Unlike other educational sessions, this conversation thrived on friction and counterpoints—a lively interchange of opinions based on journalism, technology, and politics.
Harari's Warning: Overhyped or Compelling?
Zanoni, half-joking but still pointed, marked a significant moment by stating that Nexus is more about philosophical intuitions than technical data. "He speaks as if he's peering into the future, but he doesn't reveal his source," he said. Challenging the profitability of fear, he questioned whether sometimes, books, talks, and gurus peddle fear instead of facts.
Consuelo López, a disavowal of AI biases, argued that AI isn't truly intelligent or artificial. Instead, it relies on data generated by humans, programmed by humans, with human biases built-in. "The tech industry is dominated by white men from the global north. If those are the ones training the models, it's logical that there are biases," she explained. To her, the illusion of neutrality in technological systems is one of the most dangerous myths.
Santiago Castillo provided an historical perspective on AI's impact on traditional games like chess and poker. He admitted that Harari's primary concern in Nexus lies in the political realm: "What if an authoritarian regime had unfettered access to a supercomputer?" A valid concern, indeed.
Navigating the Deceptive Boundaries
The talk soon shifted to another sensitive topic: state modernization through AI. The idea, proposed by the Argentine president, is applicable on a global scale. López cautioned against the misconception that computer-generated decisions are objective. "Behind a computer-made decision are data, structures, models trained by someone. It's not magic; there are interests at play," she emphasized.
Castillo echoed concerns related to algorithms promoting fake news and the complications of regulating such digital businesses in light of their commercial interests. "States are often behind the curve; they don't regulate technologies well because they lack technical knowledge," he added. Zanoni, meanwhile, questioned the overemphasis on fake news, urging a focus on the rapid advancements in AI, particularly its impact on health.
In the end, Zunini moderated a call-to-action for critical thinking and constructive steps towards a future steered by human values rather than technological marvels. López advocated for vigilance and education, Castillo emphasized the importance of combining education and regulation, and Zanoni underscored the need for society to be aware of the key decision-makers.
- The debate at Ticmas' auditorium during the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in 2025, centered on artificial intelligence, saw Santiago Castillo, a political consultant, discuss its historical impact on sports like chess and poker.
- In the same discussion, Consuelo López, a technical and critical AI analyst, contested the idea of AI as truly intelligent, stating that it relies on data and models programmed by humans, often inheriting their biases.
- At the event, Patricio Zunini, a moderator, raised the question of AI's role in business and finance, suggesting a need for society to be aware of the key decision-makers to ensure human values guide technological development.
- Lalo Zanoni, author of Machines Can't Dream, commented on the apocalyptic discourse surrounding AI, stating that sometimes, fear might be peddled instead of facts, urging for a focus on the rapid advancements in AI, particularly its impact on health.
- Santiago Castillo also addressed the issue of state modernization through AI, warning about the potential dangers of algorithms promoting fake news and the challenges in regulating digital businesses due to commercial interests.
