Artificial Intelligence
Updated: 3 days ago
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is a top news story these days, as AI is predicted to have a huge impact on our lives in the very near future. How beneficial or detrimental will it be? To help our community better understand this new technology, we are hosting several talks about AI this Fall by various experts.
In October, Sierra Club Massachusetts Director, Vick Mohanka, and Tristan Thomas, Vice President of Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) will talk about AI's effect on environmental and social justice and the economic effects of data centers in Massachusetts. Journalist Philip Eil will talk about AI, misinformation and how to navigate AI-generated information. Laura Robinson, Librarian and Dean at Fitchburg State University, will come to Williamstown to give a talk about finding information in the AI world as well. Finally, Hari Kumar, local technologist and engineer, will tell us how and why to avoid AI, including how to eliminate automatic AI searches from devices.
All five presenters hope to not only share their expertise but also to generate a discussion and hear your thoughts on the matter.
Programs at the Milne
Because the first two talks are virtual, please sign up to receive the link and other details. Sign-up is not required for the final talk, you can just show up! We hope to see you there.
Monday, October 5th: virtual AI, Data Centers, & Environmental Justice with Vick Mohanka and Tristan Thomas
Tuesday, October 27th: virtual Understanding A.I. and Misinformation with Philip Eil
Tuesday, November 17th: in-person How to find great information in the age of AI with Laura Robinson
Tuesday, December 1st: in-person Why Avoid AI: Reasons and Resources with Hari Kumar
January 2027 TBD: in-person another talk and 1:1 assistance with Hari Kumar
Resources
Fact-Checking Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
This nonprofit offers several very detailed potential timelines of the global effect of AI through 2027, and another through 2040.
A sample of AI resistance movements chosen by a coalition of activists between 2025 and 2026.
This research organization develops policy and conducts advocacy to mitigate catastrophic risks from AI.
The Midas Project is a watchdog nonprofit working to ensure that AI benefits everybody, not just the companies developing it.
Pause AI US
The American branch of this global nonprofit invites the public to demand a pause in AI development that gives society time to catch up and ensure the technology can be built safely and democratically.
Government Documents
Developed in consultation with House committees, this 2024 report includes guiding principles and forward-looking recommendations that may be appropriate to advance America’s leadership in AI innovation responsibly.
Addresses the rapidly developing relationship between copyright law and generative AI. (In Library Journal's Notable Government Documents, July 2026 issue).
Extensive report about the energy demands of datacenters worldwide. (In Library Journal's Notable Government Documents, July 2026 issue).
Published in 2025 by the IMF about the huge amount of electricity that will be consumed by artificial intelligence and data centers worldwide.
Books
The AI con, 2026, by Emily M. Bender and and Alex Hanna
The eureka machine: why AI is the key to unlocking a new era of scientific discoveries, 2026, by Richard Socher
Mastering AI: a survival guide to our superpowered future, 2024, by Jeremy Kahn
The nerd reich: Silicon Valley fascism and the war on democracy, 2026, by Gil Duran
The optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the race to invent the future, 2025, by Keach Hagey
The reverse centaur's guide to life after artificial intelligence: how to think about artificial intelligence before it's too late, 2026, by Cory Doctorow
The rise and fall of the artificial state, 2026, by Jill Lepore
Verified: how to think straight, get duped less, and make better decisions about what to believe online, 2023, by Mike Caulfield and Samuel S. Wineberg
What a fantastic exploration of AI! I love your insights on its impact on education. It reminds me of my experience with Browser games, which leverages AI in innovative ways to enhance learning. Thanks for sharing!
I signed up for the misinformation talk with Philip Eil since that's the part that worries me most. I also found over the hill wiki helpful for understanding the timeline of AI risks. Wish the December talk about avoiding AI searches was virtual too.
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